Preschool Special Education
Franziska Racker Centers offers Early Childhood services in inclusive classrooms in Tompkins, Tioga and Cortland Counties. Our Preschool Special Education services are conducted in partnerships with either daycare, head-start or preschool programs to create strong integrated settings. Teamwork is integral to special education at the Centers. We employ a trans-disciplinary approach, with therapists working together with the classroom professionals to support the child's needs. Children with special needs are eligible for services through Early Intervention to age 3 and Preschool Special Education programs through age 5. The Centers' staff is engaged with children and families in their homes and in community settings such as day-care, Head Start programs, and other preschools.
Because of our trained staff and cooperative approach, our wrap-around daycare in both Tompkins and Cortland Couties is an option for those families seeking childcare choices other than a typical daycare setting that allows extra support for their child.
Social Work - The Centers' Social Work Services are available to all individuals we serve. Social Work is provided in collaboration with therapies and counseling or independently of these services. Social workers are a part of each classroom team and attend weekly meetings to address individual, family and classroom concerns. Families are encouraged to become a participant in the ongoing support of their loved one. Social work provides a consistent resource for families to glean information regarding diagnosis, evaluations, behavior strategies, equipment, medical assistance, special education and more. Our therapy staff includes professionals with many years of experience and many specialized areas of expertise.
Hayden, now 6 years old, began attending the Center's program at 18 months of age. Hayden's mom, Traci, credits both the toddler program teacher, now a Preschool Special Education teacher; Mary Hause, and Hayden's Special Education Preschool teacher Patrick Schloupt, with her progress. Traci also praises the therapists that worked with Hayden on her speech, physical mobility, and occupational skills. Hayden also attended the wrap-around daycare program at the Centers which is staffed by many of the preschool classroom aides.
Traci recalls,
