Children's Programs

Our children’s programs are usually held during the school year and take place in Ringwood and West Milford. Funding cuts have made it difficult to expand these activities for children with disabilities.
If you would like more information, please call  973-728-8744.

H.E.L.P.S. (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.  

It offers weekly socialization groups for little ones while parent/caregiver meets in a group. The goal is to promote their 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, a social worker offers caregivers assistance in their role as primary caregivers and educators of their children. The groups provide 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.

Written comments from caregivers praised the program:

“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 HELPS program has helped my child tremendously with social skills, speech and gross motor skills.”

 “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."

Computer Buddies

Computer Buddies is an innovative program for 2-3 year olds ASCF created to support inclusion for young children with disabilities and their typical peers.  They learn the value of computer technology and, more importantly, how to interact with one another in typical activities that benefit them all.

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:

Goal 1: To learn about computers

Goal 2: To engage in appropriate interactions with peers

Goal 3: To Improve Communication

Goal 4: To Improve Age -Appropriate Skills

A child with special needs is paired with a typical child and participate 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 expresse their needs and thoughts with words, use facial expressions to show excitement about an activity, use simple sign and gestures and single word utterances, take turns,  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 a majority 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.”

Boost Tutoring program

This is a totally volunteer tutoring program in which a child with a disability meets for 1 hour on a Saturday morning with a volunteer tutor for one on one academic support.  They work on school work, reading, math, and organizational skills. A special education teacher coordinates and supervises the sessions which meet at a West Milford church facility. Adults who wish to become volunteer tutors, please call ASCF. 

 Kids Club

Youngsters with special needs meet one Saturday morning a month at Camp Hope in West Milford to enjoy socialization, arts and crafts, games, stories, nature activities and special events. Peer volunteers and adults are welcome to help out at these activities.

This is co-sponsored with the Passaic County Camp Hope Commission. While the youngsters are having fun, the parents meet in a group to discuss special education topics with an advocate.

Sports for Special Children

During the Fall we sponsor Basketball and in the Spring we have Indoor Soccer for children with disabilities, their siblings and typical peers.  These are coached by special education teachers with help from many adult and student volunteers. They are held in West Milford.