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Children's Corner

ASCF offers recreation, social and educational programs for children with disabilities and their typical peers.  They are Basketball, Soccer, Music Therapy and Boost  Saturday Tutoring program.

    ...and so much more.  

Featured Activities

Computer Buddies Computer Buddies is our inclusive program  for young children, 2-5 years old with disabilities and their typical peers, to learn the value of computer technology and how to interact with one another in typical activities that benefit them all.  It is funded under a 2 year mini-grant of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities. The children love using the Young Explorer Learning Center, a colorful kid-proof computer station from Little Tykes awarded to ASCF through a grant from IBM and the Pacer National Parent Center. The goals for the children are:

The children participated in ASCF’s HELPS program, a collaborative early intervention socialization program sponsored by ASCF and the Center for Family Resources/Head Start.

A child with special needs is paired with a typical child and participates in 30 minute sessions.    They engage in computer games and activities under the supervision of 2 staff  members. 

They work on locating  letters and numbers on the keyboard and  clicking and using the  mouse appropriately 

They are learning to expresses their needs and thoughts with words, use facial expressions to show excitement about an activity, use simple sign and gestures and single word utterances, say “my turn”,  “your turn”,  call the teacher by name,  respond  to verbal and non-verbal commands,  follows computer’s instructions, and follow the teacher’s directions.

We are pleased that the children are showing  interest in the computer program and progressing in social areas. 90% appeared more comfortable with their peer partners, and 80% referred to the  peer partners by name 50-75% of the time .

The parents are very impressed by the progress their children have demonstrated.  All of the children thoroughly enjoyed their computer sessions.  When they enter  the classroom each week, their faces light up, and they are excited to play their new or favorite games on the computer.  

One of the moms said, “Because of this program my child has improved his computer and fine motor skills as well as his ability to share. His preschool teacher has commented that his skills are excellent. I hope more kids are able to benefit from this program.”

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.

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 for the HELPS children’s groups is made available through ASCF Board of Directors and their fundraising activities and donations.

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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