The Best Early Learning Experience in East Harlem
As a New York State Education Department-approved Special Education Program, we adhere to rigorous standards. Additionally, we’re overseen by the New York City Department of Education and hold a permit with the Department of Health, ensuring our program meets the highest regulatory requirements.
About Our Program
Bright Lite Preschool offers a comprehensive, full-day special class (SC) program for children with developmental disabilities, ages 3-5. Our 12-month program includes a 10-month academic session (180 days) and a 2-month summer session (30 days), providing a consistent and supportive learning environment. With specially designed classes featuring low student-to-staff ratios of 8:1:2 (8 children, 1 teacher, 2 assistant teachers) or 12:1:2 (12 children, 1 teacher, 2 assistant teachers), we cater to the unique needs of each child.
At Bright Lite Preschool, we’re committed to a team-based approach that brings together the expertise of the IEP coordinator, educational director, teachers, assistant teachers, and therapists. Our collaborative model ensures that every child receives comprehensive support, with regular meetings to discuss progress, share insights, and address challenges. Our students receive a holistic education, with therapies and activities tailored to their individual IEPs. This includes Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy, as well as Counseling. We also incorporate engaging activities like music, art, play, and drama to support sensory regulation, helping students build the skills they need to transition into full inclusion settings.
A typical day is carefully structured to meet the diverse needs of our students. From 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM, students enjoy a range of activities, including breakfast, creative arts, snack time, academics, story time, structured play, lunch, gross motor play, relaxation, and sensory exploration. Our indoor gym features safety surfacing and specialized equipment, and when weather permits, we take advantage of nearby park spaces for outdoor play. A unique aspect of our program is our sensory room, designed to support self-regulation and equipped with staff trained in the therapeutic benefits of sensory support. By providing a nurturing environment that addresses the whole child, we empower our students to develop the tools they need to succeed in a traditional educational setting.
Daily Activities
Morning Huddles
We kick-start the day with engaging morning huddles, utilizing multiple modalities (kinesthetic, auditory, visual, and tactile) to teach essential skills like attending, taking turns, waiting, and following directions.
Gross Motor Play
Our indoor gym is equipped with diverse gross motor equipment, supporting various skill levels through monitored free play and structured activities led by certified teachers. These activities align with individual IEP goals, promoting physical development and fun.
Read Aloud
Students enjoy age and developmentally appropriate stories through interactive read-aloud sessions, featuring props, questions, and class participation. This engaging approach fosters language development and a love for reading.
Centers Time
During centers, children explore various stations tailored to their interests, skill levels, and IEP needs. With teacher and therapist support, students engage in meaningful activities, promoting learning and development.
Quiet Time
All children have a cozy, individual cot for quiet time, with blankets and quiet activities available for those who don’t nap. This peaceful period supports rest and relaxation.
Yummy Time
Meal times are learning opportunities! Teachers work on essential skills like self-feeding, communication, and social-emotional development, making mealtime a fun and engaging experience.
Therapy Services
Speech and Language Therapy
At Bright Lite Preschool, our licensed speech-language pathologists are experts in supporting children with language delays, articulation challenges, and communication difficulties. Our therapists work closely with each child to enhance their ability to understand and express language, communicate effectively, and interact with peers and adults. With years of experience and ongoing training in research-based approaches, our speech-language pathologists are dedicated to helping children articulate words and sentences clearly. Bilingual therapists are fluent in English and additional languages are also available upon IEP request.
Occupational Therapy
Bright Lite Preschool’s occupational therapists are highly trained and experienced professionals who help children develop essential skills for daily life. Through play-based activities in our modern sensory gyms, our therapists support children in building self-care skills, fine motor abilities, and sensory integration. We provide therapy to meet IEP mandates and collaborate closely with classroom teachers to ensure each child’s success. Our occupational therapists stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques, sharing their expertise with our wider faculty.
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapists at Bright Lite Preschool are licensed and highly trained, with advanced degrees and expertise in supporting children with gross motor delays, balance challenges, and strength and endurance needs. Through adaptive play activities, strength training, and balance exercises, our therapists help children participate fully in school and recreational activities. We provide therapy to meet IEP mandates and work closely with classroom teachers to support each child’s motor development. Our physical therapists also share their knowledge with our faculty through professional development trainings.