Special Needs

The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is dedicated to providing appropriate social, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities through on-going programs, classes and special events for children, teens and adults with various disabilities. We are currently developing new programs for these individuals and their families. Current programs for children include Camp Weissglass, our camp for children with developmental delays, and Camp Independence, a camp for children with Diabetes. In addition, First Foot Forward, our special education preschool, provides services for children with speech and language, motor and cognitive delays.

The Learning Institute provides tutoring services for school age children. The Chaverim group incorporates Jewish experiences through hands on activities. The Beacon Tottenville program promotes independence through weekly educational trips. The Specialized Senior Adult program incorporates social and recreational activities for adults with developmental disorders. Adult services include Caregiver Support programs which provide respite and support services.

Kids Club for Special Kids

This after school program for children with autism or other related disorders
offers homework help, social and recreational activities for children in grades
K-5. The children are involved in a variety of activities including music, swim,
movement, arts and crafts, and cooking and independent life skills. Through
these activities the children gain socialization and communication skills. Our
professional staff is committed to ensuring that the children have a safe, fun
and rewarding experience.

Kids Club is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Joan and Alan
Bernikow JCC. Parents must arrange transportation to the JCC through the
Pupil Transportation office.

Monthly Parent Group

The monthly parent group offers support and an opportunity to meet and share experience with other parents while gaining educational insight to assist with their unique family needs.

Thursday Night Teen Social Building Group

Grades 9-12 For Teens with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Social and/or Learning Disabilities.

Focus is on improving socialization and developing interpersonal relationships through discussion groups, special events, and fun activities. This staff-supervised program includes discussions of “teen issues” and skill building exercises to enhance self-esteem. Participants are encouraged to express individual interests and introduce their own program ideas. Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Youth Lounge. Fee: $50 10 sessions

On Your Mark
Gene Spatz, Executive Director 718.720.9233

This unique program offers programs and services for ages pre-school through adulthood for those with mental retardation, learning disabilities, neurological impairments, autism, cerebral palsy and physical disabilities. On Your Mark's services include instructional, recreational, vocational, respite, holiday trips, Special Olympics and participation in community living.

Chaverim Group

Jewish Programming for Children with Special Needs and Their Families The Chaverim program allows those with special needs the opportunity to celebrate and explore Jewish traditions with their families. The group meets on a monthly basis and organizes activities around Jewish holidays. Trips and activities on the annual calendar include apple picking for Rosh Hashana, Sukkot celebration, Chanukah party, Passover Seder, Friday and Saturday night Shabbat and Havdalah programs, and visits to cultural institutions like the Jewish Museum in Manhattan.

JCC Buddies Program

The Buddies Program offers support for individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in JCC programs. This mutually rewarding program consists of volunteers whose goal is to make activities more accessible for individuals with disabilities. In providing an inclusive environment, individuals enjoy an enhanced quality of life- a true representation of the Staten Island community.

For information on any of these programs, please contact
Jeanne Zeiff, Special Needs Coordinator 718.475.5288 or
Jayne Smith, Special Needs Director 718.475.5286

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