Since 1958, KCC has helped young children with special needs to learn, grow, and develop their unique abilities.
Our Mission
KCC provides high quality education services to more than 400 young children with developmental delays every day, in partnership with families and communities. Our child-centered, evidence-based instruction prepares each student to enter the New York City public school system in the least restrictive environment possible.
We support families with training, guidance, and advocacy, and strengthen our school community through professional development and collaborations with local human service organizations. KCC is also committed to empowering a new generation of early childhood educators through our Grow Your Own Teacher Assistant and Teacher Training Program (GYO).
Our preschool is for children from 2.9 to 5 years of age who have been determined as having a significant delay in one or more areas of development.
We focus on purposeful play and learning experiences that invite participation, encourage social and emotional relationships, and engage the senses that help children explore their environment.
SMALL CLASS SIZES
Classes are small, with 6, 8 or 12 children, and are led by NY State certified early childhood special education teachers and two teacher assistants. Goals are aligned with the NY State Pre-kindergarten Foundation for the Common Core. This allows us to differentiate instruction as needed while ensuring that all children are held to the same high standards and expectations as children without developmental delays.
RELATED THERAPY SERVICES
KCC provides Related Therapy Services to our enrolled students based on the mandates in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Related therapy services include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Counseling services.
Our mission extends beyond the classroom, as we seek to support children, families and staff through:
FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Our Family Support Program provides support and training for parents and caregivers to help them meet the unique demands of raising a child with special needs. We provide parents with opportunities to participate in their child’s education, help them understand their child’s needs, and support them through their parenting journey. WORKSHOPS
We host family workshops in English and Spanish on a range of topics, and we provide specialized training for parents of children with autism. Our workshops are led by KCC staff or by outside agencies such as Synergia and Ramapo for Children.
GROWING TEACHERS
Recognizing the importance of quality teaching staff for young children with special needs, KCC runs a small but mighty training program for aspiring educators. We recruit motivated people of color from our home communities of East Harlem and the Bronx and provide training and financial support to enable them to become certified teacher assistants and teachers.
Our Grow Your Own program strengthens communities by providing rewarding career opportunities, and strengthens our school by building a generation of well-trained, committed, and culturally-competent teachers.
“Working with kids feels so much more meaningful and important to me than any other job. I love being able to give back to them and to the community. GYO was truly a blessing.”