After 12 years in Bay Ridge, HeartShare Human Services of New York’s First Step Early Childhood Center is moving to the former St. Finbar’s elementary school in Bensonhurst this summer. Offering vital education services to children from 3 to 5 years old with developmental delays or disabilities, HeartShare’s program helps each child develop to his or her fullest potential.
HeartShare’s pre-school program is a supportive learning environment. It offers full-day special education programs which develop children’s skills through education and therapies. Services offered include: special education in a classroom setting, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counseling, music therapy, recreational activities, and assistance in transitioning children to the next educational setting. A School Social worker is also on staff to assist families. These services are provided at no-cost to eligible families.
In addition to the pre-school program, HeartShare offers a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program for 4-year-old children. This free, half-day program has a creative curriculum featuring early math and science activities, a literacy emphasis, computers, music and movement, and a breakfast and lunch program.
Both programs have caring, dedicated staff members who believe that every child can learn and achieve. HeartShare’
The special education preschool component of HeartShare’s Brooklyn First Step Early Childhood Center will open at 1825 Bath Avenue (between Bay 19th and Bay 20th Streets) on July 1, 2008; the Universal Pre-K program will open in early September. For more information or an application, please call (718) 238-4637 or visit www.heartshare.org.
Celebrating its 94th year, HeartShare is a nonprofit organization that assists more than 17,000 New Yorkers. Its wide spectrum of services provides counseling, after-school programs and assistance with foster care and adoption to children and families, supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, and administers energy assistance programs. It also helps individuals with developmental disabilities through numerous programs including education services, adult day programs, residential services, case management, recreation programs, family support services, and health services.
