Children attend a full day class with a high teacher / pupil ratio.
These specialized services are available to children who attend community based preschool setting (i.e. Head Start, Daycare) or can be provided in the home.
During the school day we provide individual and group therapies (speech, occupational, physical, and counceling) as recommended on the children's IEPs.
Family participation in each child's school experience is a critical component in assuring a child's success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Comprehensive Kids Developmental School (CKDS)?
Comprehensive Kids Developmental School (CKDS) is a New York State approved special education preschool. Our services are provided through the NYC Department of Education Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Children attend a full day class with a high teacher/pupil ratio.
- What kind of curriculum do you follow?
CKDS uses The Creative Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum is a project-based early childhood curriculum designed to foster the development of the whole child through teacher-led small and large group activities. The curriculum provides information on child development, working with families, and organizing the classroom around 11 interest areas. Child assessments are an ongoing part of the curriculum, and an online program provides record-keeping tools to assist teachers with the maintenance and organization of child portfolios, individualized planning, and report production. For more information you can visit http://www.teachingstrategies.com.
- What are the qualifications of your staff?
All of our teachers are New York State certified in Early Childhood Special Education; and all of our Teacher’s Assistants are certified as well.
- How old does my child need to be to enter your program?
CKDS serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
- I do not live in the borough of Manhattan, would my child still be eligible to attend your school?
Yes, CKDS accepts children from all boroughs.
- Does CKDS provide transportation for out of borough children?
Yes, CKDS provides transportation to all CKDS families in all boroughs. We work very closely with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that your child is safe on the bus.
- What time does school start and do you offer a summer program?
Comprehensive Kids Developmental School (CKDS) is open for 10 months out of the year and classes are from 8:30am – 2:00pm. CKDS does offer a six (6) week summer program.
- My child is authorized to receive related services, do you provide that? Which ones?
Yes, CKDS provides all related services (Speech, OT, PT and Counseling). The amount of services provided to your child depends on the mandates of your child’s IEP.
- What is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a written plan for the special education of a child with a disability. It describes your child’s present levels of performance, current strengths and weaknesses, and determines what you and the school will do to provide the assistance needed for educational success.
- Does CKDS provide lunch?
CKDS is please to provide your child with 100% apple juice and a variety of healthy snacks. However, due to the increasing rate of food allergies, religious beliefs and picky eaters, we ask our parents to provide their children with daily lunch.
- Does CKDS have an open door policy?
Yes, parents are always welcome to visit their children. In addition, all children have a communication book, where parents are encouraged to express any concerns, ask questions or provide feed back.
- Besides special instruction and the related services, do the children participate in extra curriculum activities or outside events?
CKDS children participate in 3 to 4 classroom trips per school year; children also make weekly trips to the local library and parks. In addition, there is a daily designated time for outdoor play for each classroom, and each classroom participates in music therapy twice a week.
- I would like to visit your school, when are tours available?
Tours are generally offered during 9am -2pm while children are engaged in the program activities; this gives parents a better insight of how our program works. To schedule a tour parents need only to contact our administrative offices at 212-539-0259 Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm.
