Preschool

"There is a critical period for language learning - a narrow window of opportunity."

It's never too early to detect and strengthen children's language and communication skills. At SLCD, we believe language is a "human software program" that expands as children become better language learners. SLCD's Preschool Program works with children who are 2 1/2 to 5 years of age to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social skills.

"Children need language to share their feelings and thoughts.  There is a critical period for language learning.  The biological window has gotten smaller, the more we know about brain development.  The earlier intervention begins, the better the child's prognosis - the potential for ... language learning decreases ... as the child gets older."

"Children who cannot talk are frustrated... they slap themselves... bang their heads... It's painful to watch..."

The preschool program model is unique because the classroom functions as a mini-language laboratory.  All activities are structured to increase social interactions by facilitating talking among peers and teachers.  At SLCD, we teach children to ask questions, to elaborate and to comment.  We know that a child who cannot talk is trapped inside himself. 

Our children present a range of language skills along a continuum.  Children are placed in classrooms with language "matched" peers.  Classroom activities are developed to create the need for child communication and interaction.  Letters, shapes and numbers are important but children cannot have a conversation about them.  We do not teach children to memorize phrases like ... "I want ..." We do teach children "what to say, when to say it and to whom."  How language is used in a social environment is more important than picture identification.  When you teach a child to ask a question, you give him the ability to learn by himself.

SLCD offers a "menu" of full-day programs that children can participate in:

• full-day self-contained classes
• an inclusion class in which students are integrated with typical learners.

SLCD offers a wide variety of specific programs and services for preschool children and their families including:

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Music Education
• Inclusion Programs
• Auditory Training
• 12 Month Programs
• Movement Specialty
• Occupational Therapy
• Computer Instruction
• Physical Therapy
• Classroom Video Viewing
• Creative Arts Therapy
• Nursing Support
• Language and Communication Therapy
• Parent Workshops

For more information about our Preschool Program, please contact our Parent Liaison Mrs. Toya Davis at 516.609.2000, ext. 116.

"Language is a program that grows the more you use it."

Definitions

Auditory Training

Auditory Training is a method of increasing the use of the auditory channel for concept development and language learning.  Of the four major areas of language development - listening, speaking, reading and writing - listening is regarded as the first and most basic.  It is the basis of all learning.

 
Movement Specialty

Movement specialty is defined as the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process that furthers the emotional and physical integration of the individual.  At SLCD, movement specialty is provided as part of a transdisciplinary approach; it serves as a creative stimulus for expression and for imaginative exploration of interaction with the environment.

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Music Education

In music therapy, children use rhythm instruments, objects in the classroom, and their voices to create mood and action.  There are aspects of speech that are similar to aspects of music, such as rhythm, patterning, volume, pitch, and prosody.  These aspects of music are used to facilitate verbal and social interaction in children.
 
 
Occupational Therapy

The purpose of occupational therapy in the school environment is to improve a child's sensory, perceptual, and motor skills so that he or she may succeed in school activities such as academics, play, and self-care.  Some areas addressed in school-based occupational therapy include sensory integration, fine motor skills, visual-motor skills such as handwriting, and self-care skills such as eating and dressing.
 
All occupational therapy services at SLCD are provided on a one-to-one basis for children who have this service specified on their IEPs.  AN individual treatment plan is designed for each child based on his or her IEP goals.
 
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Physical Therapy

The focus of physical therapy at the School for Language and Communication Development is to improve a child's ability to negotiate the school environment safely and participate with peers.  Areas addressed are: gait training, balance skills, sensory motor activities, body awareness, stair training, ball skills, strengthening activities, hopping, skipping and jumping.  To receive physical therapy services, a child must have PT specified on their IEP.  Services are provided on a 1:1 basis.  An individual treatment plan is developed based on the child's IEP goals and home activities can also be suggested.
 
 
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