Just Kids at New Suffolk (K-2) is an approved New York State Education Department 853 program, specializing in educating school-age students with disabilities from ages 5-8. The program is designed to ensure students on the spectrum can access the general education curriculum by providing specially designed instruction tailored to each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

The program is designed to provide an environment for children to be prepared to transition to less restrictive environments (LRE).

The curriculum is focused on independent functioning in the home, school, and community settings. The curriculum is based on both dynamic intelligence and static intelligence, adapting the goals and objectives concerning each student’s disability and includes modifications and adaptations to grade level curriculum.

The program applies the NYS Learning Standards integrated into planned direct instruction throughout the day. The instructional program offers one-to-one instruction, small group instruction, and teacher-directed instruction throughout the day. Each of these instructions focus on student interests and strengths through student-initiated interaction, age-appropriate play peer-mediated instruction, and concept and skill development to assist with eventual transitions to the students’ home community school. The teaching strategies are based development and relationship-based approaches.