After School Program Special Needs

Whether they have learning disabilities or emotional or behavioral issues, a quality after school program can provide students with meaningful and genuine belonging.

However, some students with special needs are not always able to participate in traditional after-school programs because they have significant deficits in their social skills and may need one on one attention.

Down Syndrome Program

Down Syndrome Program Berkeley, founded by Valentine Dmitriev and Patricia Oelwein, was a landmark research and educational breakthrough that has changed the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and their families worldwide. Its results demonstrated that learning to read is possible for individuals with Down syndrome, and influenced education systems to make early intervention and schooling available.

Today, the Down Syndrome Program continues to offer education for young children with Down syndrome in a variety of settings and is a model that has helped to shape inclusive and effective public schools across the country.

Education for individuals with Down syndrome should include the development of gross and fine motor skills, self-help skills, and social skills. It also should provide an opportunity to learn and practice academic skills and develop critical thinking abilities.

Berkeley

The Berkeley Unified School District offers after school programs for low-income families with children who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. It also runs an after-school program called LEARNS that is open to all students, including those from higher-income families.

Despite its many advantages, LEARNS faces significant challenges, including limited staffing. This has left many students without care when the school day is over, which has made it hard for some to attend their schools’ extracurricular activities.

Some parents are frustrated that their children aren’t getting the academic help they need, and many feel that the district doesn’t understand what’s best for their kids. Rosa Bay, director of the Education Advocacy Clinic at the East Bay Community Law Center, said that her clients often end up in special day classes or send their children to private schools.

Dennis Richmond Teacher Award

The Dennis Richmond Community Award is a program that honors outstanding teachers in California. Teachers can nominate themselves or others for this award through December 31, 2018.

Greenwood Elementary is proud to have a diverse team of teachers working together to provide the best education possible for our students. These teachers are passionate about ensuring that each child receives a quality education that fosters growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

Emily Thompson (Social Studies Teacher) is a Henrico County Public Schools graduate and has been teaching for 14 years. She enjoys empowering students to embrace their passions and dreams, while preparing them for lifelong learning.

Her favorite part of the job is watching her students discover their interests and talents while building friendships that last a lifetime!

Mrs. Kaitlin Johnson (First Grade Teacher) is a Henrico teacher who loves to see children find their love for reading and imaginations run wild! She believes that all students deserve a challenging educational environment, one that encourages them to learn and grow.

Dennis Richmond Community Award

The Dennis Richmond Community Award is awarded to an individual or program that has made a significant impact on youth. It is presented to an individual or program that has been involved in providing high-quality after school programs for a minimum of three years.

The program that received this award focuses on special needs children and youth. It helps them enhance their life skills, such as cooking, etiquette and financial literacy.

It also provides them with the opportunity to develop hobbies. In addition, it takes them on fun trips to museums and other community events.