In collaboration with Early Connections

EC Logo

 

 

School Age Program

 


In July 2010, the School Age Program merged with Early Connections in order to fully provide an inclusive classroom for children both with and without disabilities.  This caring and nurturing environment gives the children an opportunity to interact and learn from each other, and is as beneficial to children without disability as it is for the community integration of children with disability.

Throughout the school year, children aged 5 to 18 receive help with homework, socialization, interactive and independent play and participate in a variety of daily planned fun activities under supervision of trained staff. In the summertime, participants enjoy summer themes, art classes, crafts, swimming and field trips into the community. Program hours are typically 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on school days and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on non-school days and during the summer program. There is a one staff to six children ratio and a minimum of two staff with the children at all times.


 

School Age learning

In this unique setting the boundaries that sometimes separate children with disabilities from children without are erased. The children naturally accept each other for who they are, develop meaningful friendships and learn acceptance of each other regardless of their differences.

  

 

 

 

 


School Age staff work on goals, such as:


 • Building positive self concepts
 • Increasing independence
 • Developing responsibility for self and others
 • Learning to share and respect the rights of others
 • Improving basic cognitive skills

 

School Age Program

 

Maintaining a family-focused approach and parental involvement are important to EHCA. Parents are provided regular progress reports on their child’s new learning and successes. In addition, family fun nights and a monthly newsletter are offered to encourage family involvement and keep parents informed of program activities.

Applications for the program are accepted year-round and participants are enrolled as capacity allows. The EHCA School Age Program is subsidized by Child Care Information Services of Erie County (CCIS) to help low-income, working parents have affordable child care.