The Occupational Therapy Department prides itself in using a whole child approach to evaluate and provide individualized therapeutic intervention to our students. The staff are clinically trained therapists licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions with the knowledge and skills to address each student’s unique needs. Treatment focuses on sensory processing, sensory motor, fine motor, visual motor, play and self-care skills. The occupational therapist works closely with teachers, staff members, and families to help every student develop the skills necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Speech and Language therapy is critical in supporting a child’s language skills at Just Kids New Suffolk. At New Suffolk, the Speech-Language Pathologist focuses on improving students’ communication skills, including both verbal and nonverbal communication, by teaching them how to understand and use language and navigate social interactions. The Speech-Language Pathologist may also introduce and utilize alternative augmentative communication methods like assistive devices, depending on the child’s individual needs. The Speech-Language Pathologist is integral to the Just Kids interdisciplinary team to ensure communication skills are carried over and reinforced throughout the school day. Parents are an extremely critical part of their child’s speech-language therapy program, and our Speech-Language Pathologist works closely with families to incorporate carryover of skills into the home.

All students attending school in New York State are required to receive and participate in physical education every year in grades K-12. All children, regardless of ability level, deserve the opportunity to participate in high-quality physical education experiences that take place in a positive and safe learning environment. Our students at Just Kids New Suffolk are provided with Physical Education.

Just Kids Physical Therapy department is composed of therapists licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions. The physical therapists are part of an interdisciplinary team working together with the classroom staff to meet the educational needs of the student. Physical Therapy provides services to children who present with physical needs or disabilities that impact on a child’s ability to participate and be successful in their school environment. The benefits of Physical Therapy may include increasing and maintaining muscle strength and endurance, increasing gross motor skills so that they may participate in school activities, increasing balance and motor planning. Physical Therapy helps to improve general motor development and enhance a child’s ability to learn, play, and safely negotiate their school environment and achieve personal independence critical to a child’s success in their school environment.

The Social Worker supports students with disabilities by providing therapeutic services, behavioral interventions, and emotional support within the school setting. They also assess and address students’ social, emotional, and behavorial needs, collaborating with educators, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to student care and development. The Social Worker leads workshops and provides training for parents and staff on topics such as child behavior, social-emotional learning, and managing challenging behaviors. The Social Worker also coordinates with external agencies, community resources and healthcare providers to access additional support services for students.

Additionally, the Social Worker is able to connect families with outside resources and programs to further improve their child’s overall development.