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Children's Corner

ASCF presents SPECIAL TIMES

Special Times Children’s Programs offers social and recreational activities for children with special needs.  This action-filled program offers a wide array of fun and after-school activities such as...

    ...and so much more.  

Get in touch with us, there is always something new in the works!

The Special Times Children’s Program has been going strong for 12 years. Our goals are for children to develop self-confidence, to enjoy themselves, and to acquire skills to participate safely and happily in typical activities enjoyed by all children.These goals are achieved through recreation, a major life skill that is essential to the development of all children.

The participants develop their interpersonal skills, discover their creative interests, and improve their physical abilities.   Initially, they will engage in a broad range of fun activities that reinforce appropriate social behaviors, teach them the rules of the game and develop positive interaction with other children. 

The long-term benefits are that the children enjoy friendships, and a sense of belonging, develop awareness of their own abilities, and feel competent and successful. 

One young boy, who has Autism, said when he received a trophy, “I feel like a king!”

Contact Terry, Program Coordinator for
more information.

This program is made possible by the
Turrell Fund. 

HELPS (Helping Early Language and Play Skills)

This very exciting and successful program has been providing assistance to 2 - 3-year old children with special needs and their parents for the past 4 years.

It offers weekly socialization groups for little ones while their parents/caregivers meet in a group. The goal is to promote the cognitive, social, physical and emotional development of the toddlers. They develop group play and communication skills to be better prepared to enter preschool.

In the parent group session, caregivers are assisted in their role as primary caregivers and educators of their children. It provides information on parenting and resources, teaches advocacy skills, and offers peer support.

HELPS is a collaborative effort with the Center for Family Resources’ Early Intervention Program and ASCF. It is offered on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Funding is provided by the United Way of Passaic County and the US Dept of Education, Office of Special Education programs (OSEP).

This past year the program assisted 26 little ones and their parents.

These written comments praised the program:

“The HELPS Program has helped my child tremendously with social skills, speech and gross motor skills.”

“My child is so excited the night before he goes to ‘his school’ to be with his friends.”

“Because of the program, he is ready for preschool.”

“The teachers and staff are kind, patient and truly care about the children.”

“I benefited from being in the parent group and learning info on parenting and child development.

“Thank you so much for the program.”

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