THE K.I.S.S. CENTER (Kids In Special Services)

Joanna M. Diamond, MS.Ed., K.I.S.S. Center Director, ext. 332

Doreen McIlwaine, Program Supervisor, x383

The K.I.S.S. Center is funded by a grant from the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, Inc.

 

The K.I.S.S. Center provides services to high functioning children with learning and developmental disabilities. The goal is to create a nurturing environment and community by providing a comprehensive range of programs for toddlers through adulthood, allowing each person to be happy and reach his or her own potential.

Click here for K.I.S.S. Center spring calendar

 

THE K.I.S.S. CENTER AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Grades 1-6, Monday - Thursday from 3 -6 pm & Friday from 3-5 pm

September-November

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL WORK AND HOMEWORK?  ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM THAT ADDRESSES SOCIAL SKILLS AS WELL AS MOTOR SKILLS?

Look no further! The KISS center has now expanded to include an innovative after-school program. This pilot program seeks to provide a balance of educational support and recreational activities for each child, while providing a safe, nurturing and enriching environment to meet each child’s unique needs. The focus of the program is to enhance independent functional living skills and self management skills by presenting opportunities for socialization, communication and self-directed choice in a relaxing and fun environment.

There will be opportunities for socialization with typical peers from our Second Home Daycare. Led by special education professionals, students will participate in after-school recreational activities such as gym, arts and crafts, cooking and sports. Children without homework engage in organized play, arts and crafts, and computerized games. Pick the days and times convenient for your child.  Busing available on a first-come, first serve basis for Plainview School District. Other school districts may provide transportation on an individual basis, please speak to them directly. Call x332 for more details! Interview required.

 

K.I.S.S. CENTER CLASSES

 

Anything Goes! (grades 2-6)

Broadway bound!  Build confidence and self-esteem, improve communication skills and develop interpersonal problem solving techniques through musical theater routines.

Art for Kids (grades 1-6)

An art enrichment class that encourages creativity and expression.

 

Get Crafty (grades 5 and up)

Like arts & crafts? This is the place to be.  Participants will develop fine motor skills as well as problem solving techniques.

 

Girl Talk (grades 4-6)

A new class for adolescent girls, ages 10-13. Discuss contemporary issues facing young girls such as hygiene, beauty and fashion, friendships and personal boundaries.

Just Dance (grades 6 and up)

Come learn the latest dance trends.  A great way to exercise and meet new friends!

Lunch at the JCC (pre-K - 6)

Enjoy lunch with friends between Sunday morning and afternoon classes.  Participants bring their own Kosher dairy lunch.  Juice and snack are provided.

Movin' and Groovin' (grades 1-6)

A fun and exciting movement/dance class designed to encourage self-esteem as well as develop fine and gross motor skills.

The Next Step (grades 7-12)

This peer led/staff supervised program includes discussion of teen issues and skill building exercises to enhance self-esteem.

Parents of Children with Autism and Special Needs

Designed to help family members gain support and share strategies for living with and caring for a child with special needs.

Saturday Night Bowling Club (grades 5 and up)

Socialize and enjoy dinner while bowling on teams with your friends at AMF Syosset Lanes.  Participants will be grouped by age and/or ability.  Fee includes bowling and shoe rental.  Pre-registration is required.  Transportation not included.

Sibling Support Group

Let's get together and provide a nurturing environment for brothers and sisters to discuss concerns and participate in a peer support group.

Special Splash

A class designed for children with special needs in our handicapped accessible pool.

Sunday Selections (grades 1-3)

The next step after Yes, I Can! Participants will continue to develop social skills as well as learn how to engage in group activities. Siblings of participants are invited attend as peer models; registration required.

Sunday Specials (grades 4-6)

A social/recreational program designed to foster friendships through age appropriate activities such as music, dance, art, yoga, cooking, swim and gym. Siblings of participants are invited attend as peer models; registration required.

Teen Lunch Club (grades 7-12)

Bring your own kosher dairy lunch and we'll provide dessert.  Relax in the Teen Lounge and socialize with friends.

Yes, I Can (pre-K - K)

Designed to build self-esteem and develop fine and gross motor skills.  Siblings of participants are invited attend as peer models; registration required.

 

 

THE K.I.S.S. CENTER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE JCCA'S COMPASS PROJECT

 ARE PLEASED TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:

 

 

Discover Theater (grades 6-8)

New to drama? This class is for you.  Learn how to express yourself through drama games, improvisation and acting techniques.  Interview required.

 

Our Bodies, Ourselves (grades 7-12)

Designed for young women, this class will address a variety of topics including the intricacies of making friends, learning personal boundaries, decision making, fashion and beauty, exploring health issues such as hygiene and sexuality, and developing self esteem and confidence.

 

Our Time (grades 7-12)

Designed for young men, this class will explore the same issues as Our Bodies, Ourselves, as well as learning how to talk to girls.

Each group will meet separately for discussion and a healthy dinner.  At the sixth class, the groups will join together for socialization and to practice their newly-learned skills.  Dinner is included in the class fee.

 

Theatre for Action (grades 9 and up)

Led by a drama professional, this socialization program utilizes theater games and exercises as a way to have fun, make friends and get to know oneself.  Students participating in the entire program and final performance will receive a stipend.  Interview required.

 

 

 

THE ASPIRE PROGRAM - AN INCLUSIVE SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP FOR PRE-K THROUGH 6TH GRADE

 

The Aspire Program is partially funded by a grant from Autism Speaks TM.

                                          

 

SELF-CONTAINED

NEW! For children in grades K-5 who attend summer school in the morning, Monday, Wednesday & Friday (2 or 3 day option) from 2:30-5 pm. Appropriate for children who need individualized attention and a high ratio of teachers to children.  Program includes arts & crafts, music, swim and sports in a highly structured environment.  Counselor to camper ratio 1:2.  We will provide transportation for students enrolled in the Plainview-Old Bethpage summer school program.  Interview Required.

Click here for details 

 

INCLUSION PROGRAM

An in-building summer camp, Monday-Friday from 10 am - 3 pm, designed for children ages 3-5 who are in mainstream or inclusion classes during the school year and can participate in a larger group setting.  Children will participate with Sports Chaverim camp.  Nutritious kosher lunch included.  Transportation and before & after care available.  Counselor to camper ratio 2:3.  Interview Required.

 

 

INCLUSION PROGRAM AT THE HENRY KAUFMANN CAMPGROUNDS

This program is appropriate for children ages 6-12 who are in mainstream or inclusion classes during the school year and can participate in a larger group setting.  Children will participate in junior camp activities with typical campers.  There will be an additional overnight trip fee for campers ages 10-12.  Overnight trips are optional and at the discretion of the K.I.S.S. Center Director.

Transportation and before & after care available.  Counselor to camper ratio 2:3.  Interview Required.

 

 

Please contact K.I.S.S. Director at 516-822-3535 x332 for more information or to register.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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