The mission of our Special Needs Program is to provide a community that will welcome, accept and include families of children with special needs. Whether you are new to the community or are looking for a support network, we are here for you. Our programming is developed with guidance from special needs parents to serve children and families in our community. Join us in our exciting initiative to create after school and weekend programming to foster our children’s social and emotional growth. Special needs events are open to all families of children with special needs. Stayed tuned to this web page as we expand our Special Needs Programming!

Join the Special Needs Parents e-mail list to learn more about upcoming events and programs. Contact Lori Sternberg at loristernberg@gmail.com.

Morning Special Needs Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month • 9:15 A • at the JCC
If you are overwhelmed with your child's needs and looking for other parents to talk to, come have coffee and chat with parents of pre-K and elementary-aged children with special needs. Share your concerns about evaluations, placement, IEPs and available programming in the community with sympathetic listeners. We will also focus on day-to-day advice and strategies to manage your child's special needs. This group is for parents and facilitated by parents. Support Group Meetings are located at the JCC and are free and open to the public.


Evening Special Needs Support Group
Second Thursday of the month • 7:30 P
Speakers on 10/14, 12/9, 2/10/11 and 4/14/11 at the JCC
October 14: Lisa Afflitto, Social Skills Therapist

Location for all other Thursday evening meetings TBD • 9/16, 11/11, 1/13/11, 3/10/11, 5/12/11, 6/16/11

Please RSVP in advance to Lori Sternberg at loristernberg@gmail.com if you plan to attend an evening meeting.

AXA Advisors Presents the JCC Special Needs Speaker Symposium
Sunday, October 3 at the JCC free and open to the public - registration required. Click here for more info and to register.

Speakers to include: New Trends in OT, Sensory Integration, Vision Therapy, Special Education: Reading and Math Programs, Speech Therapy, Financial Planning, Behavorists and more! Contact Mike Goldstein at mgoldstein@jccnj.org for more information.

Shadow Program
If you would like your child to participate in mainstream programming including preschool and preschool enrichments at the JCC, but feel that he/she may need an aide or shadow, please contact Mike Goldstein at mgoldstein@jccnj.org. The JCC will evaluate each program and child
to try to successfully match your child with an appropriate shadow. We will look at each child on an individual basis. Please note there is an additional fee for a shadow.
.
Camp Yachad Shadow Program for Special Needs Children
Whenever possible, Camp Yachad serves children with disabilities in the same groups as all the other campers. If you are interested in summer camp for your special needs child, please contact Camp Co-Director, Mike Goldstein at 908-889-8800 ext. 218 or mgoldstein@jccnj.org.

Visit the Camp Yachad page for more details on our various summer camp programs.