The Jesse J. Kaplan School

The Jesse J. Kaplan School VISTA serves students with autism and cognitive challenges on the Rockland BOCES campus in West Nyack. In order to meet the unique needs of students, Kaplan VISTA offers students the ability to participate in a visually-supported, age-appropriate and functional curriculum.

The Visual Instruction and Structured Teaching for Students with Autism and Learning Challenges (VISTA) program is based upon Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Verbal Behavior. A focus on functional communication (matching learners with an alternative method of speaking) is a priority. Daily schedules (using objects, pictures or words) and individual workstations are utilized with extensive data collected for each child. In VISTA I, students require high staff-to-student ratios and intensive individualized instruction. This can include teaching essential skills such as the ability to wait, tolerating situations and transitioning, all with an emphasis on independence. VISTA II introduces more work in dyads and small groups to improve social skills and generalization.

The Jesse J. Kaplan School – Social Communication/TEAMS serves students with medical fragility, cognitive and/or multiple disabilities in two locations on the Rockland BOCES campus in West Nyack.

The Social Communication Program focuses on communication, social behavior, self-regulation and academics. A rich, visually-supported environment ensures maximum independence for each student. This program focuses on communication, social emotional learning and functional skills delivered in small and larger group settings. Literacy skills are addressed through direct instruction together with a multisensory approach.  Technology is designed for individual students, including alternative and augmentative communication devices. Students acquire skills in identified priority areas that are directly related to student and parent/guardian plans for life after school. This program also includes a separate building on the West Nyack Campus where students are able to focus on activities of daily living in a simulated apartment environment, with volunteer experiences outside of the school and/or community based instruction. Teaching independence is a priority, utilizing visual supports and a step by step instructional sequence paired with graduated guidance.

The Technological Exploration of Augmentative Communication via Movement and Structure (TEAMS) program provides integrated therapies and education through an interdisciplinary approach for students with severe and multiple disabilities. The program focuses on developing communication skills and improving or maintaining physical status (MOVE®) through learning centers which include fine motor, sensory, literacy, vision and vocational as appropriate. A variety of classroom-wide and individual communication devices are included. This innovative approach ensures a comprehensive instructional plan for students with complex educational and medical needs.

KCDC, a component of the Social Communication Program, is a community-based vocational program designed to prepare students, ages 16-22, for the transition from school to adult life. Students work on mastering a variety of vocational, social and communication skills to allow them to function as responsible, contributing workers in the community. An academic program is balanced with activities of daily living, work, and community skills. Assistance is provided to families for the transition to adult services.