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At the Lev Chana Early Childhood Center we look at children's social, emotional and developmental needs as critical components in the learning process. The goal of the mental health and support services staff, in conjunction with the administration and the teachers, is to make certain that our children's psychological and educational needs are being met. We believe that early identification and remediation are critical to ensure a positive academic trajectory for our children. Therefore, we use a multidisplinary approach when observing, examining, and assessing a particular child's needs. We consult with the classroom teacher and implement appropriate strategies and supports when necessary. Some of these interventions may include social skills training, behavior modification, special education services and language therapy. When a district evaluation is deemed necessary to access outside interventions, the mental health staff guides parents through the intricacies of the district process and advocates on behalf of the child's needs. If a child does receive outside supports we ensure that there is appropriate communication with the school and we work collaboratively with the therapists to optimize the child's progress. We have a new state of the art facility that will house all of the special support and district services. The facility includes five large rooms, one which was specifically designed as a physical therapy/occupational gym. In consultation with various OT's and PT's the room is furnished with brand new gross and fine motor equipment as well as equipment aimed to remediate motor planning, balance and sensory deficits. The other rooms are designed to accommodate speech therapists, play therapists, and special education teachers. |
