What is an Integrated Classroom?

An Integrated Classroom is class composed of pre-school children (3 and 4 year olds) who would benefit from special services within a structured classroom composed of typically developing peers.

Philosophy:

Achievements strives to make programs available in School Districts and areas where they are most accessible to the greatest number of families. This availability includes being on a bus line or within walking distance for families. This availability includes being located in daycares and preschools where wrap around care is available. Preschool children that require a structured classroom setting are placed within a classroom of typical peers to create an educational setting that benefits all of the children involved.

Locations:

Jewish Community Center 340 Whitehall Road Albany, NY 12208 Click here for a map
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St. Helen's Preschool 1803 Union Street Niskayuna, NY 12309 Click here for a map
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St. Brigid's Preschool 700 5th Avenue Watervliet, New York 12189 Click here for a map
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St. Paul's Preschool 21 Hackett Boulevard Albany, NY 12208 Click here for a map
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Staffing:

Our integrated classrooms are run by a Special Educator, Speech Therapist and a Teacher Assistant. Related Service Providers such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Counselors, etc. are found within the classroom at various times throughout the day/week.

Collaborations:

A collaboration is programming together which could not be accomplished be either party on their own. The specific need for a collaboration is to create a Special Class in an Integrated Setting (SCIS).

Class Size:

Achievements believes in small class sizes with high staff to child ratios. For a childcare center or a preschool, classrooms with a total of sixteen or less children is most desirable for all. The total number of children includes the daycare children and the special needs children with ratios of 7 special needs children with a teacher and a teacher assistant plus 7, 8, or 9 daycare children with a teacher and a teacher assistant where necessary.

Length of program:

Achievements is approved to provide both full day and half day options. A full day program is 5 hours in duration. The half day program is 2.5 hours in length. The five hour programs generally start at 8:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM with the exception of the school year Head Start Programs. There are typically two times available for the half day program (either 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM or 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM).

Program Calendar:

A program calendar is created and given to parents when their child enters the program. This calendar creates program availability from September 1 through June 30. The calendar, which closely replicates a typical school calendar, will include specific vacations, staff development days and holidays when children will not be in attendance.

Related Services:

Occupational Therapy, Speech, Physical Therapy, Play Therapy, Counseling, Service Coordination, Psychological Services, and Social Work are available within the program. Based on the needs of the children and the goals being addressed, qualified therapists will be in the program from one to five days per week. Services provided will be push in (special services given to the children within the classroom) when and wherever possible. Pull out services (special services given to the children outside of the classroom) will be given when the activity or the goal worked on requires a separate space. Individual and group services will be given as they are described in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Application Process:

If you are interested in learning more about programs and their availability contact Tami Miller, Program Director, by calling 518-782-1178 or by e-mail at tmiller@achievements.org.

Please provide the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number(s)
• School District you live in
• Your child’s name
• Child’s Date of Birth (DOB)
• Date of the (CPSE) Committee on Preschool Special Education Meeting
• What services have been approved at the CPSE meeting
• When are services scheduled to begin

If you would like to tour sites that have availability for placement, the tour will be arranged at this time. At the tour your specific questions will be answered. When you choose Achievements for you services, the specific handbook and application for the program site will be given to you. Each site has the daycare or preschool application as well as the Achievements enrollment forms.

Achievements was honored and was selected a 'Best of Albany' winner by Metroland. See what Metroland has to say about us (click the >> control to zoom in):