Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia Accepting Kindergarten Applications

Philadelphia, Pa. – Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia, based in Manayunk, is accepting applications on a rolling basis for its new “Yearn-to-Learn” Kindergarten program as remote education continues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed for students age 5 to 7 with Autism spectrum disorder and those with behavioral/emotional disorders or learning disabilities, the program offers an active learning approach that is individualized, evidence-based and focused on core skills.

Beginning the multi-step admissions process now – including an intake interview and virtual visit – will help secure placement in this dynamic, collaborative Kindergarten experience. Youngsters that benefit from a small class size, Applied Behavior Analysis and related service providers on premises throughout the day will find the learning environment engaging, rewarding and welcoming.

The new program emphasizes hands-on learning and inquiry-based projects that build academic confidence in fundamentals like literacy, language arts and math. The program taps into students’ varied interests to spark intellectual curiosity and social connections with peers. Novel community-based learning opportunities in the sciences, social studies, music and art are woven throughout the school experience to promote a love of investigative learning during this pivotal developmental year.

“Many children on the spectrum face a variety of challenges that prevent them from advancing in traditional school settings,” said Jacqueline Turner, M.Ed., BCBA, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia. “This specialized program offers a unique environment in which a small number of students receive a personalized educational roadmap designed to help them reach their full potential.”

The program is held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and serves children who have been clinically diagnosed by a health care professional with Autism spectrum disorder or related differences. Students enrolled in this program have often reached school-age and are phasing out of in-home or early intervention programs. Others may have experienced learning, emotional and social challenges in other settings.

The Yearn-to-Learn Kindergarten program immerses young learners in an atmosphere built on positive behavior support. It also integrates social competency instruction based on the work of Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking®, the Wilson Reading System® and early transition planning. A wide variety of learning materials and individual technology further enrich the Kindergarten experience by providing pathways to discovery, exploration and creativity.

“Our staff is deeply committed to our students’ individual progress and well-being,” said Patrick Graham, Education Director, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia. “This program offers a challenging and creative curriculum designed for students who are academically capable, but need the extra support to meet their learning goals.”

Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia continues to monitor and follow COVID-19 health guidelines outlined by the state of Pennsylvania. For more information about Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia or to apply, visit https://www.yaleschoolpa.com/yearn-to-learn-kindergarten-program/ or contact Stefanie Musto at smusto@yaleschoolpa.com or 215-839-0525 ext. 210. Space is limited.

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About Y.A.L.E. School
Y.A.L.E. School (Young Adolescents Learning Experience) is a New Jersey state-approved private special education school with nine campus locations throughout southern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region serving students with disabilities ages 3 through 21. Across four of those campus locations, Y.A.L.E. School offers a highly specialized program for students with autism that provides low student-to-staff ratios, supervision by highly-trained and certified behavior specialist, a comprehensive curriculum, intensive transition support, integrated and consultative speech services, support for families and an extended school year program in the summer. Since 1976, students with disabilities have been placed at Y.A.L.E. School locations by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. For more information, go to www.yaleschoolnj.com.

About Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia
The Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia campus is located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia and provides an environment dedicated to cultivating the strengths, interests and abilities of students on the autism spectrum and with related differences. Engaging students in grades K-8, Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia offers a highly individualized, challenging and creative curriculum for students who are academically capable, but who experience difficulties in their current school environment because of sensory, social competency, executive function, anxiety or learning differences. Students benefit from best practices including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior support and instruction based on the work of Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking®, the Wilson Reading System® and early transition planning. Hands-on, project-based learning leverages each student’s interests in through classroom and community resources that encourage discovery and exploration. For more information, go to www.yaleschoolpa.com.