Marcus avenue

Integrated Preschool

Marcus Avenue provides integrated educational and therapeutic services to preschoolers with a disability, ages 3 to 5, in a center-based setting. 

Each integrated class is a blend of children experiencing typical development with those with developmental delays and is designed to provide preschoolers with a disability with the appropriate activities to address their individual and group learning needs and to help them attain the goals included on their Individual Education Plan (IEP). The class, with up to 15 children, provides children with age appropriate role models drawn from the general community of typically developing peers. Children are provided with opportunities to develop sensitivity to the diverse nature and abilities of others. Each class has a certified special educator with two certified teacher assistants.

The instructional process for the class is guided by each student’s IEP and the New York State Learning Standards. Children are stimulated, guided, and encouraged to learn through play in a friendly, caring, safe, language enriched, and highly structured classroom environment. In addition, classroom based art expression, small, interactive groups, and literature-based story times assist children attain mastery of their IEP goals.

Technology is an integral component of the instructional process with each class equipped with a computer and interactive white board. Along with the classroom staff, each class has an interdisciplinary team assigned to serve the students according to their IEP, and includes a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a social worker. Together, the team plans and provides individualized instruction and intervention designed to facilitate growth and development and attainment of the student’s IEP goals. Additional team members including registered nurses, licensed psychologists, a certified physical education instructor and certified school administrators provide additional support as needed. Depending on the needs of the students and the goals on their IEP, other educational and therapeutic curricula may be used to augment the instructional and intervention process.

All special education classes are approved by the New York State Department of Education. Classes are full day and can serve eligible children for a 10-month school year from September through June as well as for a six week extended school year during the summer months.