Programs & Services - Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center

Early Childhood Learning Center

Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center

WE PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF PROGRAMS TO K-2 STUDENTS

Our Learning Foundation

Program Overview

Our New York State licensed K–2 program provides a structured, supportive learning environment designed to meet the individualized needs of children on the autism spectrum. Instruction is grounded in evidence-based practices and delivered through a combination of 1:1 direct instruction, small-group learning, and independent workstations. Each student is assessed using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to identify strengths and areas of need and develop individualized instructional programs. Instruction is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and tailored to each student’s IEP goals. Daily data collection informs instructional decisions, monitors progress, and supports the development of meaningful skills, independence, and generalization across learning environments.

Therapeutic and Educational Supports

Students receive comprehensive related services, including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, physical education, behavior support, sensory support, parent counseling and training, and social-emotional learning. Instruction and related services are integrated throughout the school day to promote skill development across academic, communication, functional, motor, and social-emotional domains. Specialized learning environments, including a sensory room, movement gym, and structured classrooms, support self-regulation, engagement, and motor development. These environments are intentionally designed to foster independence, strengthen transitions, build endurance, and promote successful participation in daily routines and learning activities.

Individualized Instruction and Work Stations

Each student is assessed using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to identify individual strengths, developmental levels, and areas of need. Assessment results, curriculum objectives, and IEP goals guide the development of individualized instructional programs. Independent workstations provide opportunities for students to practice, strengthen, and generalize skills introduced during 1:1 instruction while building independence. Data is collected daily to monitor progress, evaluate skill acquisition, and guide instructional planning.

Educational Focus

The program utilizes evidence-based instructional approaches and curricula to support individualized learning across academic areas. Mathematics instruction incorporates Math with Confidence and enVision Mathematics, while literacy instruction includes Comprehensive Literacy for All and the PCI Reading Program. These resources are adapted to each student’s instructional level, learning profile, and IEP goals. Instructional priorities include functional communication, independence in classroom routines and self-care, social reciprocity, imitation, joint attention, self-regulation and coping strategies, and progress toward IEP goals across all academic areas.

Program Ideals and Vision

The program emphasizes positive, trusting relationships between staff and students, incorporating each child’s interests into learning, teaching with joy, and maintaining a child first approach. The goal is to foster a classroom environment where students feel safe, happy, relaxed, and engaged. Family involvement is an essential component of the program, with opportunities for parent counseling, training, and collaboration to strengthen the connection between home and school and promote the generalization of skills across environments.

Our vision is to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environment where each student is valued, understood, and supported as they build skills for academic, social, and emotional success. Through meaningful partnerships with families, we strive to empower parents and caregivers with strategies and resources to support their child’s continued growth, independence, and development beyond the classroom.

Our Programs

Our K–2 Program provides a comprehensive range of educational, therapeutic, and support services designed to help every student reach their full potential. Through individualized instruction and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, our licensed professionals work alongside teachers and families to support each child's academic, communication, physical, social, and emotional development in a nurturing learning environment.