YESS! Yeshiva Education for Special Students

YESS! Yeshiva Education for Special Students

Classes

YESS! classes contain no more than eight children, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1 or 4:1. Students are grouped within a combined-grade structure, in which no more than three grades are combined in one class. Appropriate grouping decisions are made by our director and teachers, as well as our team of consulting professionals, and are based on each child's individual academic and social needs.

Curriculum

YESS! is a yeshivah, offering Judaic and general studies with an Orthodox, Zionist outlook. The curriculum in both subject areas is highly individualized, tailored to enrich and build upon each child's learning profile.

In general studies, YESS! generally follows the curriculum of the New York State public schools and the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ). Judaic studies generally follow the YCQ curriculum. Both curricula are implemented with state-of-the-art special education techniques.

Mainstreaming and integration are integral to the YESS! program. Many children are mainstreamed daily for lunch, as well as for art, music, gym, library, trips, holiday festivities, and/or academics, as deemed individually advantageous and appropriate.

New York State Charter

In addition to the endorsement of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, YESS! has a permanent charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is thereby incorporated under New York State Education Law.

Related Services

YESS! works closely with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) 25 Queens and advises parents about how to obtain additional related therapy services to which their children are entitled from the Board of Education. Many YESS! students have their related services (including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Counselling) during the school day on site.

I.E.P.

An Individualized Educational Plan for Judaic and general studies is prepared for each YESS! student, expanding upon his or her Committee on Special Education, Board of Education, I.E.P., and including goals for his or her integration and mainstreaming.

Parents are invited to two I.E.P. conferences during each school year, and are welcome to call and meet with the director and teachers at any time that a question comes to mind about their child. The lines of communication are always open!