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"If a child has a cough, prudent medical practice suggests immediate intervention.

The same is true of suspected delays in speech, motor functioning, and cognition.

This is the essence of Early Intervention"

On Our Way is part of the NYC Coalition for Children with Special Needs, which, in turn, is part of a statewide alliance that emphasizes the importance and common sense of the approach referred to as Early Intervention. As is the case with problems involving physical health, the earlier one intervenes clinically and educationally with developmental delays, the more successful the prognosis. A problem in development need not be 'dramatic'; unattended, even the slightest delay can devastate a child's ability to learn.

Despite its growth, On Our Way is exemplary in its personal care. Under the direction of Mr. Barry Nisman, Executive Director, and its Educational Director, and founder, Ms. Barbara Frankel, the school has increased to an enrollment of 160 children on site, with an additional 150 children being served in their homes and schools. On Our Way is under the auspices of the New York State Education Department for its 3-5 year old programs, and the New York State Department of Mental Health for children from birth to three years of age. Special services are funded by the State at no cost to the parents or guardians.

Presently the school is offering on-site, half-day classes for children 2-5 years of age, as well as full day Integrated Settings that successfully mainstream regular education children with children experiencing developmental delays. On Our Way is proud that it initiated Integrated Settings before it was mandated by the NYS Education Department. All teachers and clinicians are certified by the State of New York. Additionally, the State Education Department has recently encouraged OOW to add a full day special education class for children with more significant developmental delays.

On Our Way was among the first schools to be part of the Universal PreK program established by the NYS legislature. Now in its 5th year, this funded program for 4 year olds only has provided regular education children with the opportunity to expand their emerging educational, social, and emotional horizons.

On Our Way is also a New York State approved evaluation site for children birth-5. The multi-disciplinary team, like the school itself, is comprised of certified Special Educators, Speech Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists.

On Our Way has provided for the staffing of a computer specialist who visits the children in their classrooms with mobile units, utilizing a variety of preschool education programs. Additionally, a music specialist visits the children on a regular basis, addressing their learning skills, social interaction, and artistic inclinations by utilizing melody, rhythm, and movement. There is a nurse on staff 5 days a week, in addition to a Special Projects organizer who embellishes the curriculum with visits to the school by dance companies, petting zoos, musicians, etc. On Our Way has 2 state-of-the-art occupational and physical therapy rooms within the facility. Additionally, the outdoor play area is expansive and enclosed, with a large variety of modern outdoor equipment, all unaccessible from the outer streets.

All funded children attending On Our Way receive bus or van transportation at no cost, from school and back.

On Our Way is open 12 months of the year. If you are a parent with concerns about your baby or toddler, or a professional with similar concerns regarding your clients, calls can be made to our Evaluation/Intake Coordinator, Ms Sandy Ungar, at 718-868-2961 x314. Additionally, for the NYC Early Intervention Program, there is on-site initial service coordination (call Ms. Marsha Eisen at 718-868-2961 x260) and ongoing service coordination.