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The CHILDREN’S DAY SERVICES, a division of
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES INSTITUTE, operates a state approved full
day (6 hour) special
education program for students between 3 and 21 years of age. The
program is specifically designed for those students who display evidence
of Autism or Pervasive Development Disorder. There are currently 230
students receiving educational services in this program.
The EDUCATION PROGRAM operates 12 months a year at
campuses in Smithtown and Huntington. A certified special education
teacher staffs each class and at least two full-time certified teaching
assistants.
Educational services for
preschoolers are designed to prepare these students to function
successfully within exclusionary settings (school district programs) as
soon as possible. It is essential that intensive. Individualized
training and skill development begin early and certainly by the time the
child is 3 years of age.
For those students whose
educational/behavioral needs necessitate continuation in
Children’s
day services during elementary and/or secondary years,
treatment objectives and learning strategies promote competency in
functional academics, communication, social and vocational development.
An integral component of the program provides opportunities for
community integration and participation in the mainstream of society to
the fullest extent possible.
The CHILDREN’S DAY SERVICES
DIVISION offers an intensive Parent Training Program to the
parents of our students. The purpose of our parent training program is
to teach parents the skills they need to become effective teachers and
advocates for their children. This is accomplished through a regular
schedule of classes that give families a comprehensive knowledge of
Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, trained staff make frequent
home visits to assist parents in teaching their child.
Staff members are certifies in special education or in a therapeutic
discipline by the New York State Department of Education. The Division
employs a full-time staff trainer and inservice training is provided on
a continuing basis in order to strengthen individual staff development
and expertise. In conjunction with local universities and medical
centers, the program provides student teaching opportunities,
undergraduate and graduate internships and medical fellowships. DDI
serves as a training site and supports research that increases our
understanding and effectiveness in educating individuals with
developmental disabilities. |
