Rebecca School (New York City, NY)

Rebecca School

• 40 East 30^th Street
• New York, NY 10016
• Phone: (212) 810-4120
• Fax: (212) 810-4121
• Email: info@rebeccaschool.org

Rebecca School, is a therapeutic day school, for children 4 to 18, promoting the education and development of children with neurodevelopmental disorders of relating and communicating, including PDD and autism.

We utilize the Developmental Individual Difference Relationship-based (DIR) model. The DIR methodology, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, proceeds from the core belief that relationships are the foundation of learning. At Rebecca School we consider the variations in individual motor and sensory processing systems and tailor each child’s program to his or her specific needs. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for children with neurodevelopmental delays in relating and communicating. Each child has unique strengths to be developed and limitations to be remediated. Our goal is not to fit the child to the program but to fit the program to the child.

We provide students with a comprehensive therapeutic program in a real school environment that enhances their life experiences and nurtures their talents. Our enrichment program reflects mainstream private school offerings in science, art, music and movement, gym and technology. We provide the related services of speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and counseling as appropriate. The curriculum incorporates academics, Floor Time, social skills training, sensory integration and behavior modification.

Classes are small, with eight children, one teacher, and three teacher assistants in each classroom. Children may work individually, in dyads or in small groups. We provide a 12-month program that includes a six-week summer program. Every Friday the school closes early for ongoing staff and parent training. The school day is Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

We are committed to creating a bridge between home and school. A social worker will be assigned to each family to provide referrals, as necessary, for nutritional, medical and legal consults and to facilitate children’s admission and ex-mission at the school. We also offer sibling and parent support as well as parent training. We are partners with each of our students' families in creating an educational environment, both in school and at home, which meets their individual needs.