One in 5 children has a learning disability. That means their brain processes information differently from their more neurotypical peers. This difference isn’t a question of intelligence, but rather how the brain is wired. For the child with a learning disability, early intervention is critically important.
Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) understands this — and provides bright students who have learning disabilities an innovative and comprehensive educational model to prepare them for a successful transition to public or private schools in their home community.
“Our goal is transition,” says Dr. Casey Crnich, executive director at Hyde Park Day School. “We give our bright students the tools and strategies they need to compensate and overcome their learning challenges.” More than 1,000 students have received support from HPDS.
Early intervention is key to success for children with learning disabilities
The full-day program at HPDS serves grades one through eight, but there are also several other programs for children, including a six-week summer program. In the summer program, children in first through third grades may apply without a formal diagnosis.
In addition, HPDS is piloting an early intervention program this summer for students entering kindergarten and first grade who may be struggling with reading. This program does not require a formal diagnosis, but is for children with:
- Delays in meeting language milestones
- Difficulty remembering letter names and sounds
- Avoidance of reading and/or writing tasks in the classroom and at home
- Family history of reading challenges
Educators at HPDS know that early intervention makes a difference for children with learning disabilities because their brains are most open to learning when they are young. For the best outcomes, specialized support should start right away.
When a child falls behind in school, it can be tough to catch up, and this can lead to feelings of frustration, low confidence and anxiety that make learning even harder. Catching struggles and getting access to the right support early gives kids a much better chance to grow their learning and communication skills.
At HPDS, teachers get to know their students’ strengths and challenges. They gather in-depth information during admissions and then provide assessments to create an individualized plan to guide the child’s learning throughout the year.
Children gain pivotal skills for lifetime success
Students also focus on understanding and accepting their unique skills, abilities and learning differences. They learn how to build on their strengths and talents while finding ways to navigate any challenges they face. This includes identifying strategies and support systems that help them succeed. Over time, they develop personal qualities that contribute to their academic, personal and professional goals.
A 5:1 student-teacher ratio ensures that each child receives personalized attention and a customized program of academic support, including speech, social work, and occupational therapy. Alumni successfully transition to a variety of private, public, and parochial schools, with the vast majority going on to attend four-year colleges after high school.
HPDS also operates the Joanne Steinback Educator Training Institute which offers workshops in the Wilson Reading System and Multisensory Math, along with general professional education about dyslexia, assistive technology and more.
“Hyde Park Day School transforms its students from self-doubters to self-champions,” says Crnich. “They become more self-confident and develop a love of learning which makes them successful as they move into more mainstream learning environments.”
Learn more about Hyde Park Day School. Visit hydeparkday.org.
