Rebecca School

Rebecca School is a therapeutic day school located in New York City, dedicated to providing education and treatment to children with neurodevelopmental delays in relating and communicating, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). The school employs the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR) model, also known as the Floortime approach, which focuses on building healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than on skills and isolated behaviors.

History

The Rebecca School was founded with the mission to provide a unique educational environment tailored to the individual needs of its students. Since its inception, the school has been committed to incorporating the latest research and methodologies in the field of neurodevelopmental studies into its curriculum and therapy programs.

Philosophy and Approach

At the heart of Rebecca School's philosophy is the DIR/Floortime model, which emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional and intellectual growth through interactive play and tailored educational programs. This approach is designed to build upon each child's strengths and interests, promoting meaningful learning experiences that are relevant to the child's development.

The school's curriculum is interdisciplinary, integrating various therapeutic services with academic learning. The staff includes special education teachers, therapists, and support personnel who work collaboratively to support each student's educational and therapeutic goals.

Programs and Services

Rebecca School offers a range of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its student population. These include:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEP) tailored to each student's unique developmental profile.
• A comprehensive range of therapeutic services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
• Social skills groups to support the development of peer relationships and social competencies.
• Family support services, including counseling and parent training programs, to ensure that families are active participants in their child's education and therapy.

Facilities

The school's facilities are designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports the sensory and developmental needs of its students. Classrooms are equipped with materials and resources that facilitate the DIR/Floortime approach, and the school offers various spaces for therapy, play, and social interaction.

Admissions

Admission to Rebecca School is based on a comprehensive review of the child's developmental history, current functioning, and potential to benefit from the school's program. The admissions process includes interviews, observations, and collaboration with the child's current educational and therapeutic providers.

Impact and Recognition

Rebecca School has gained recognition for its innovative approach to education and therapy for children with neurodevelopmental delays. The school's commitment to the DIR/Floortime model and its focus on individualized, developmentally appropriate practices have made it a model for other programs seeking to implement similar approaches.

Conclusion

Rebecca School represents a pioneering effort in the field of special education, offering a holistic and individualized approach to learning and development for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Through its commitment to the DIR/Floortime model and its focus on building the foundations of social, emotional, and intellectual capacities, the school has made significant contributions to the lives of its students and their families.