Welcome
More children are being diagnosed now than in previous years. We are gaining a better understanding of the foundations of these disorders and how they manifest developmental delays/differences. Because more children now receive early intervention, there has been an increase in the number of children who require less traditional, special education programs that meet them at their individual developmental level. We know that there is no end to what these children can achieve. We also know that one approach does not work for every child, Professionals and Parents need options!
Celebrate the Children (CTC) has been providing services for children with difficulties in relating, communicating and thinking since 1995. Celebrate the Children is a progressive program based on the Developmental Individual Relationship Based (DIR®) Intervention Model developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder. This New Jersey state-approved comprehensive school program uses a dynamic inter-disciplinary approach that prepares students ages 3-21 for success in the 21st Century.
Our multi-disciplinary approach to education recognizes that emotionally meaningful experiences are necessary in order to realize the child’s true intelligence.
Our curriculum meets the New Jersey core curriculum content standards while fostering:
Self-Regulation
Engagement
Intentionality
Problem Solving
Whole Body Comprehension
Symbolic, Abstract, Critical and Reflective Thinking
Creativity- Ability to Think Outside the Box
Emotional Intelligence
Strong Social Understanding and Abilities
Global Awareness
Strong Use of Technology
Our Curriculum Areas Include:
Challenging academic programs fulfilling all requirements of the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (Non-Profit NJDOE Approved School)
Developmental
Sensory
Motor
Visual-Spatial
Social Emotional
Independence/ Sense of Self
Cognitive
Academic
Visual and Performing Arts
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
Language Arts Literacy
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
World Languages
Speech and Language
Social Skills
Self-Help
Behavioral
Technology
Young Adult Program
Work Place Readiness
Our Program Includes:
Cutting-edge, research-based intervention targeting the specific sensory integration, motor and visual-spatial challenges of the individual students
All intervention and instruction is provided via an interdisciplinary approach promoting social interactions, communicating and thinking
Intensive focus on building self-esteem and developing healthy relationships
Independence and life-skills program
Transition Program, Community-Based Instruction, Adult & Continuing Education
Art, Music, Yoga, and more including organized, school-wide events
Family involvement & education includes DIR® education and coaching for parents, facilitated play sessions with siblings, and support groups for both parents and siblings. The goal of this service is to empower family members to be able to facilitate their child’s development while promoting healthy relationships.
After-School Program
Lunch Program
Our Team Includes:
DIR®-FCD Certified Administrators, Teachers, and Related Service Providers
NJ State Dual-Certified Teachers (Certified in both regular and special education)
Full-Time Curriculum Specialists, Approved Standardized Testing Site
Licensed Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists with expertise in augmentative communication, feeding, oral-motor, pragmatics, sensory integration, motor and visual-spatial development
Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
Mental Health Department, Student and Family Support Services, on-staff Psychologists and Social Workers
Nurses trained to support our special population and their families
Intensively trained Paraprofessionals, many who have participated in advanced training programs to achieve advanced status in the following areas:
Paraprofessional DIR® Trainer
Communication Classroom Support Staff
Behavioral Specialist
All staff participate in intensive development sessions which include DIR® training and supervision on a weekly basis
Program Philosophy
Mission Statement