Easterseals New York Preschool Promotes Autism Awareness and Acceptance

Teachers, clinicians, and family members led students on a short walk along the block of the Easterseals New York Bronx Child Development Center on East Tremont Avenue in The Bronx, on a sunny Friday afternoon to raise awareness and support of autism acceptance.

"The mission of Easterseals New York is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities," Tenay Alston, the school’s director, explained. “This is our goal for our students: to promote their autonomy, encourage their exploration and celebrate each of their milestones.”

The 115 students at Easterseals New York’s East Tremont preschool each have a unique set of needs. All have one or more types of developmental delay. The school provides classroom instruction as well as services based on each student's individual educational plan (IEP). The IEP is developed after a child is noted to be experiencing delays in one or more areas of development. Evaluations are made by teachers and clinicians and a plan is developed with oversight from the Committee on Preschool Special Education, along with a licensed teacher.

Services include occupational therapy for students needing help developing fine motor skills, speech and language therapy for students who experience delays in speech, and physical therapy for students who need to gain gross motor skills.

“One parent said she became teary-eyed seeing the support from people on the street and from drivers passing by honking in support,” says Tenay.

Each year several of our students who graduate go on to mainstream kindergarten. The dedicated staff provide detailed assessments that ensure the proper placement for all graduates that will transition to kindergarten. Parents are also provided support with understanding the kindergarten transition process to ensure they too are well prepared for this significant transition.

Intervening early in a child’s life and consistency are important. A team of people including classroom staff and clinicians work together with not only the student, but with families as well to maintain a strong home to school connection thus promoting consistency in each of the students’ global development. Families are provided with tailored monthly training through the Nurturing Parent Program which promotes participation in their child’s education. Families are encouraged to work with their children as well on activities suggested by the program.

Easterseals provides programs in many parts of the state. To learn more about having your child evaluated, contact Tenay Alston, 718-409-4227 ext. 0.

Media Contact:
Susan Walsh
swalsh@fedcap.org