NJ Kids Special Needs Fall 2020 / Winter 2021

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE 2020

The goal of this handy litte guide is to connect families to numerous outlets including schools, enrichment programs, professionals, online sites and other crucial resources. Each growing year produces new challenges, and of course new demands and needs. We hope to build a special needs community and a go to resource - in print and online. Please use this valuable resource to call and ask questions. Professionals can help, or can even connect you to their vast network.

sandra@njkidsonline.com TO ADVERTISE: next closing: March 10, 2021 advertise@njkidsonline.com 973.303.3027 PRINTED 2X A

NJ Special Needs Guide is published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc., PO Box 542, Roseland, NJ 07068. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. Copyright 2020

In this guide, you will find a variety of services, from OT, PT, speech, social skills, schools, to summer programs, legal services, sensory outlets, new play places as well as fun things to do. As we connect with more programs throughout the state, we will continue to add to our special needs directory online, which is accessible 24/7. Our website www.njkidsonline.com is just a few clicks away to great resources too. Please tell our sponsors you found them in the little book! Your feedback and support helps us to continue to produce this valuable resource.

Sandra Leu & the NJ KIDS Team

Deron offers each student a customized curriculum, with the right combination of services, in the right frequency, to ensure they reach their greatest potential.

• Locations in Union, NJ and Montclair, NJ

• Serving students ages 3-21 with multiple disabilities including autism spectrum disorder

• Extended school year/ summer programs

• Transition services ages 18-21

• Monthly Open Houses

A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN

Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC (SFCC) offers a variety of individualized therapeutic programs for children and young adults ages 4-18. If your child is suffering from the challenges of neuro-biological disorders, emotional issues, or mental illnesses, SFCC will bring peace of mind to your family. SFCC will develop a program that works for your child and family’s needs! Our customized evidence-based programs draw from principles of CBT, ABA, and DBT, and are set in natural environments. Skills are targeted in a variety of settings, making it more likely clients will generalize outside of SFCC.

Behavior Modiﬁcation, DBT, DBT Token Economy, Modeling + Rehearsal Training, Individual Behavior Therapy, Psychiatric Consultation + Therapy, Social and Emotional Skill Training.

All activities are designed to replicate “real life fun” so children and teens generlize new skills and feel conﬁdent and successful in social situations. Stepping Forward Counseling Center’s programs are set in different environments that call for a variety of “natural” social and interpersonal skills. SFCC programs address behavior problems and skills deﬁcits. Treatment decisions are based on data and can address improving social skills, activities of daily living and family life, play skills, and language skills. These environments include Doc Joc’s Sports, School Matters, Manners Matter, Art, Yoga, Martial Arts and Social Skills/Group Therapy.

Services Include: Med Management, Psychological Testing,Emotional Consultations, Social Skills Assessments, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Education/Consultation, Individual/Group/Family Therapy, Functional Behaviorial Assessments, Psychiatric Evaluations/Assessments, Trauma Assessment and Treatment

Our Clients Improve in Areas of: Self-Esteem, Social Behavior, Rule Following, Friendship Skills, Home Behavior, Anger Control, Problem-Solving Skills, Academic Competence

The data proves it works! The base of the program is the same as in all our programs — data-driven and evidence-based treatment.

PROGRAMS OFFERED: Family & Parenting Early Interventions Behavioral Programs Partial Care Day Program Saturday Intensive Program (IOP) Intensive Outpatient Social Skills After School Program 3 to 1 RATIO

Protecting the Rights of Children and Families Protecting the Rights of Children and Families

Julie M. W. Warshaw, Esq.

Special Education Law

Guardianships

Anti-Bullying Law

Collaborative Divorce

Family Law Civil Mediation

Discrimination/Civil Rights

Julie M. W. Warshaw, Esq.

266 King George Road, Suite C-2

Warren, NJ 07059

(973) 433-2121

Fax (973) 439-1047

Two hours of recreational fun. Age Groups: 5-11 (12:30-2:30pm) 12-16 (3:30-5:30pm)

Contact:

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center 775 Talamini Road • Bridgewater, NJ 08807 • ssbjcc.org

Shirley B. Whitenack, Esq.

Regina M. Spielberg, Esq.

Gary Mazart, Esq.

Meredith L. Grocott, Esq.

Jordan M. Wassel, Esq.

Lauren I. Mechaly, Esq.

732.873.1212 | histep@comcast.net www.BehaviorTherapyAssociates.com

•

• Counseling and Therapy

• Pre-Vocational Classroom Workshops

• Community Based Instruction

• Weekly Enrichments

• Westlake School Job Academy

www.ucesc.org/schools/westlake_school

Edward M. Sonnenberg, DDS, FADH

Dr. Edward Sonnenberg

Dr. Daniel Dinowitz

Kimberly Hollywood, DMD

Dr. Jacklyn Brown

Daniel R. Dinowitz, DMD

Dr. Marybeth Giacona

Diana Rosenbaum, DMD

Dr. Krishna Amin

Orthodontists:

Dr. Joseph Arvey, DMC

Michael J. Goldkind, DMD

Arvay, DMD Michael J. Goldkind, DMD

Intensive ABA program for children ages 18 months & up  Assessments of Behavior and Skills  Learning Through Play

 Social Skills Development

 Functional Communication

 Parent and Family Training

 Potty Training

 Full and Partial Day Options

Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

First Children School

For Students with Disabilities in Grades Pre-K Though High School Specialized education for students who are:  Medically Fragile  Developmentally or Intellectually Disabled

Physically Disabled  Blind or Visually Impaired  Deaf or Hard of Hearing  Deaf-Blind 908) 654 2470 330 South Avenue Fanwood, NJ 07023

A Learning Disability Just Means

a parent

for a school

Are you a parent searching for a school where your

MPAC provides exceptional performing arts and arts education opportunities for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

MPAC is the only New Jersey provider of The Miracle Project, a groundbreaking, fully inclusive music and theatre program for children with special needs. Classes are available for children ages 9 – 15.

Visitour websitetolearn more!

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PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

(advertising section)

ABA THERAPY, SOCIAL SKILLS, and OTHER THERAPIES

A FRIENDLY FACE

www.affautism.com • 833-AFF-4-ASD

ABA Autism Treatment Services. NJ, NYC, CT

Provides ABA therapy to pediatric patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Other services include yoga, social skills, and creative play. Immediate availability for at home, center based, and Telemedicine therapy. Most private insurance plans are accepted. Staff consists of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Therapists.

PERFORMANCE PEDIATRICS

142 Totowa Rd., Totowa, 973-237-1975

156 Route 51 North, Lafayette, 973-862-6377

www.performancepediatricsnj.com

Performance Pediatrics specialize in working with children presenting with challenges associated with disorders of relating and communicating such as autism spectrum disorder, aspergers, sensory processing disorders (sensory integration disorders), regulatory disorders, dyspraxia, learning, behavioral and neurological disorders, gross/fine motor difficulties, visual perceptual/ spatial challenges, self-help, and motor-coordination difficulties. We strive to assure a positive, child-friendly, family-based center servicing Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Passaic counties. We provide school based services throughout NJ.

CAMPS

CAMP HUNTINGTON

56 Bruceville Rd., High Falls, NY

845-687-7840 • www.camphuntington.com

Celebrating 60 years, Camp Huntington is a co-ed, residential program for children and young adults with special learning and developmental needs. Our camp programs are designed to maximize a child’s potential, locate and develop strengths and hidden abilities. Your child will enjoy the fun-filled days of summer camp while learning practical social and life skills. We offer an adaptive therapeutic recreation program, which encourages progress-making, and can also meet IEP goals.

HARBOR HAVEN SUMMER PROGRAM

West Orange

www.harborhaven.com • 908.964.5411

Designed for children and teens with mild special needs Harbor Haven provides a summer of fun and improvement. With numerous “camp” activities, including daily swim, sports, arts, and more, as well as academics, social skills groups and therapies, Harbor Haven has it all!

HI-STEP® SUMMER SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM

2 Locations serving Central & South Jersey

732.873.1212

www.BehaviorTherapyAssociates.com histep@comcast.net

Helping Improve Social-Skills Through Evidence-based Practices (HI-STEP), celebrating 21 years; 5-week ESY Program providing children (6-17) social-emotional learning, problem-solving skills, individualized attention, structured sports/recreational activities, creative arts, and positive peer interactions. Emphasizes fun, learn-

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ing, skill-building, and generalization. Highly structured, ongoing supervision, small-group, and reinforcement. Parent feedback and strategies for generalization.

STEPPING FORWARD COUNSELING CTR CAMP

Chatham and Nutley, 973.635.6550, Ages 0-21 steppingforwardcounselingcenter.com

Clinically advanced multi-modality program, Therapeutic Sports and Social Skills for children and young adults ages 0-21 with mild to moderate learning, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Enjoy activities: Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Swimming, Yoga, Drama, Academic Programs, Arts & Crafts, Camp Out, Color War, Field Trips, Kayaking/Sailing, Rock Climbing, all while learn skills and making friends that will last a life time. 3-1 ratio, led by Ph.D., LCSWs, teaching and other licensed professionals. Day & sleep away.

EDUCATION

BANYAN

SCHOOL –ELEMENTARY

12 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield 973-439-1919. www.BanyanSchool.com

Banyan Elementary is a private, non-profit, NJ Dep. of Ed Approved School for students ages 6 to 14 with significant language-based learning disabilities. Over the past 26 years, our primary focus has been the development and reinforcement of the reading, language and communication skills necessary for academic success. Our faculty is trained in a variety of research-based, multi-sensory teaching techniques and strategies, including the Wilson Reading System®, Lindamood Bell® Programs, Multisensory Math®, and TouchMath®. With small classes, individualized attention, and integrated assistive technology, we are committed to establishing the foundation that students need for learning while fostering social and interpersonal skills.

BANYAN SCHOOL

•High School (9 – 12th Grade)

•LIFE Academy (18 to 21 years) 471 Main St., Little Falls 973-785-1919

www.BanyanSchool.com

Banyan High School is a private, non-profit, NJ Dep. of Ed Approved School for students with significant language-based learning disabilities. Established in 2006, the HS program provides a structured curriculum with small classes that allow our faculty to focus on each student’s academic and social needs. The 9th –12th grade curriculum continues to reinforce reading, language and communication skills, while preparing students for the next phase of their education and life.

Our faculty is trained in a variety of research-based, multi-sensory teaching techniques and strategies, including the Wilson Reading System®, Lindamood Bell® Programs, and Multisensory Math®. The LIFE (Learning Independence. Fostering Empowerment.) Academy for 18-to-21-year old students emphasizes life and work skills in a supportive environment.

CTC ACADEMY -18 months – 7 years

29-01 Berkshire Road, Fair Lawn, 201-797-7440 www.ctcacademy.org, info@ctcacademy.org

CTC Academy enhances the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment. NJ State approved pre-school through early elementary program serves children ages 3 – 6 years. Additionally, the Fair Lawn Campus offers an Early Enrichment Program (EEP) designed to enhance and build upon Early Intervention services received in the home, ages 18 months through 3 years – and Mommy (or Daddy) & Me! (M.O.D.A.M.), designed to expand and enhance caregiver and child interactions while participating in engaging and fun activities for young children with special needs (12 mon to 3 years of age) and their caregivers.

CTC ACADEMY - 7–21 years

125 Bauer Drive, Oakland, 201-612-5677 www.ctcacademy.org, info@ctcacademy.org

CTC Academy enhances the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment. NJ State approved 1st through 12th Grade, ages 7–18, and STEP Program, ages 18 – 21 years of age - serving children with special needs, including children who are medically complex. Also available are support groups for families and siblings at both locations.

THE DERON SCHOOL

130 Grove St., Montclair, 973-509-2777 1140 Commerce Ave, Union, 973-206-0444 www.deronschool.org

We offer a state-approved private school program for students with multiple disabilities (MD), physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism and down syndrome. Since 1967, we have provided a nurturing environment, family culture, and customized curriculum to optimize the experience and results of our students to ensure they reach their greatest potential. We serve students living in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union Our students gain academic skills, as well as life skills. Our independent living and daily living skills curriculum,

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY (advertising

called Bridge/Transition Program, provides students with practical learning as they prepare to leave our school at age 21, and enter a new phase in their lives. Monthly open house tours enable home districts, child study teams, and parents to see our school up close.

HOLMSTEAD SCHOOL

14 Hope St., Ridgewood 201-447-1696 •www.holmstead.org

An educational and therapeutic milieu, which emphasizes innovative and flexible education for bright adolescents who need to be challenged in order to improve their motivation and performance. A full-time clinical staff provides individual and group therapy as well as a parent support group. DBT, EMDR, and family therapy are available. Holmstead students between the ages of 13-18 in grades 8-12 have been unable to achieve successfully in traditional school settings. Typical Holmstead students may have struggles with: Anxiety*Depression*School Phobia*Learning Problems*Behavior-Management Issues*Risk-Taking Behaviors. Classification by the public school child study team precedes an on-site interview at our school.

KOHLER ACADEMY

1137 Globe Ave. Mountainside 908-518-0021

jkaufman@kohleracademynj.org www.KohlerAcademyNJ.org

Formally known as The Arc Kohler School, Kohler Academy continues to work with students, districts and families to develop an individualized program to support the academic and therapeutic needs of our students. Kohler Academy serves students from age 3 through 21 with additional intensive programs for our older students.

NORTH JERSEY ELKS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AGENCY

1481 Main Ave, Clifton 973-772-2600 • www.njedda.org

Special Education and Therapeutic Excellence for toddlers through High School. We teach students with multiple disabilities, therapeutic and medical needs. Free Toddler Support Program. Special Education for Pre-K through 12th grade.

WESTLAKE SCHOOL

1571 Lambert’s Mill Road, Westfield 908-232-4181 www.ucesc.org/schools/westlake_school

We are a public school program for students with multiple disabilities and autism spectrum disorders ranging from ages 7 to 21. We create connections between school and everyday life through hands on academics,

vocational and transitional skills, social/emotional coping skills and behavioral intervention strategies. We provide needed services in a barrier free setting including: Speech and Augmentative Communication, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Counseling.

HORSE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES

PONY POWER THERAPIES

1170 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah 201-934-1001 • www.ponypowernj.org

Giving special needs and at-risk children and adults the opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses in a farm setting.

LEGAL SERVICES

KAREN EDLER, JACKIE ESPOSITO & MICHELLE KRONE

EDUCATION LAW GROUP

Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, P.C. 50 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake 201-391-3737, specialed@pricemeese.com www.pricemeese.com

Our goal is to provide parents with the tools to be effective advocates and to obtain a free, appropriate public education for their children. Services include: reviewing Individualized Education Plans (IEP), Section 504 Plans, Individualized Health Care Plans, and Intervention and Referral Service Plans; explaining evaluations to parents; preparing parents for meetings; attending IEP and 504 meetings; negotiating resolution of programming and placement disputes; filing mediation and due process petitions; handling school disciplinary charges, hearings and appeals for students through college; providing guidance to college students regarding their rights; providing special needs planning, including Special Needs Trusts and Guardianship Petitions; and assisting with applications for public benefits, including Social Security and state benefits.

SCHENCK, PRICE, SMITH & KING, LLP 115 Century Road, Suite 100, Paramus 201-262-1600 • www.spsk.com

Founded in 1912, we are a full-service law firm with offices in northern NJ. As one of NJ’s leading law firms, we are proud sponsors of the Step Up for the Arc of Bergen & Passaic Walks. Our attorneys are members of the Special Needs Alliance. We assist individuals with special needs and their families to find legal solutions and secure resources to provide lifetime care and peace of mind. As part of our services, we prepare Special Needs Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Guardianship applications, DDD and Medicaid applications.

We Language clinicians. diagnostic adults challenges. ations, and understanding ing social increase ing. neurological NJ for TUTORING

We tutoring multi-sensory

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SUSSAN, GREENWALD & WESLER

609-409-3500

Main Office: 1249 South River Rd, Cranbury Monmouth/Ocean Office: 1161 Broad St, Shrewsbury Bergen Office: 140 E Ridgewood Ave, Paramus info@sgwlawfirm.com • www.sgwlawfirm.com

We are recognized as one of the leading special education law firms in NJ, having helped thousands of children receive access to appropriate educational services. We further provide a range of estate planning services to assist families in securing their child’s financial future.

WARSHAW LAW FIRM

Julie Warshaw, Esq.

266 King George Road, Warren, 973-433-2121 jwarshaw@warshawlawfirm.com www.warshawlawfirm.com

The Warshaw Law Firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of special needs children and their families focusing on Special Education Law, Guardianships, and Bullying.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE

GOOD TALKING PEOPLE. LLC.

111 Galway Place, Suite 201, Teaneck 75 No. Maple Ave., Suite 101A, Ridgewood 201-837-8371, office@goodtalkingpeople www.goodtalkingpeople.com

We are a well-established private practice in Speech Language Pathology staffed with licensed and certified clinicians. For over 25 years, GTP has been providing diagnostic and intervention services for toddlers through adults with speech, language, learning, and social challenges. Services include: Speech Language Evaluations, Individual Speech Language Therapy, Individual and Group Social Thinking Programs, to improve understanding of social situations, develop social thinking and teach effective strategies to facilitate appropriate social interactions. GTP offers cutting edge programs to increase literacy and treatment for executive functioning. GTP has staff to provide treatment for Adults with neurological disorders. We are an approved agency by NJ State Dept of Ed and an approved provider for DDD for Adults 21+.

TUTORING

EBL COACHING

50 East Palisade Ave, Englewood 201-567-8988 • www.eblcoaching.com

We specialize in one-on-one home, virtual or on-site tutoring for students in preK-12. We use research-based, multi-sensory methodologies that are individualized

according to the needs of each student. Students are evaluated and hand matched with one of our learning specialists. We also specialize in working with students who have learning disabilities and ADHD, including the Orton Gillingham method and other research-based techniques.

HOW PARENTS CAN PREPARE FOR THEIR CHILD’S SPECIAL NEEDS CHECKLIST

A report released by the US Census Bureau found that 2.8 million American families had reported raising two or more children with a disability. It’s important to plan early as well as plan with the important milestones in your child’s life. Here is a helpful checklist which can be used as a resource to help you can make informed decisions:

Ages 0 - 3

__ Discuss local Early Intervention services with your pediatrician

__ Learn as much as you can about child’s diagnosis

__ Research and consult a financial advisor

__ Determine adequate amount of life insurance in event of caregiver’s premature death

__ Research special needs trust or will

Ages 3 - 18

__ Research government assistance (SSI and Medicaid)

__ Establish rapport with neighborhood community, school faculty, and civil services

__ Review your financial situation: your special needs child, any other children, your own, etc.

__ Designate legal guardian

Ages 19 - 22

__ Work with school to learn of any residential or vocational opportunities

__ Evaluate your child’s decision-making and determine if you need a guardianship for them

__ Prepare your child to qualify for SSI or Medicaid

__ Re-evaluate your special needs trust if necessary

__ Budget for retirement and your child’s

For more information, go to https://www.thesimpledollar.com/how-to-plan-providefor-a-child-with-special-needs/

PHOENIX CENTER is an accredited, not-for-profit school serving the educational, behavioral and therapeutic needs of students ages five through 21 with autism, multiple disabilities, behavioral and intellectual disabilities. Our customized evidence-based programs— developed for each student—are anchored by a handson, real-life, community-based instruction model.

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