Preschool

Who We Are

The Children’s School for Early Development is a special education preschool program offering a variety of classroom models throughout Westchester County. Founded over 75 years ago by parents who were looking for playmates for their children, we opened the first special education preschool in Westchester. Today, The Children’s School offers a variety of highly specialized, supportive classrooms for preschoolers.

Our program serves preschool-aged children with diverse abilities, including developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) where we provide a nurturing, inclusive, and language-rich environment where every child is celebrated for who they are. Through small class sizes and a multidisciplinary team approach, our certified special educators and therapists seamlessly embed therapies for speech, occupational, and physical development into engaging daily activities. By using predictable routines, visual supports, and sensory-friendly spaces, we empower children to thrive, build confidence, and prepare for lifelong learning.

When attending any of our special education preschool programs, students from both Westchester and Putnam County may receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy according to their own educational plan.

The Children’s School is committed to providing all of our students and parents the additional support of our school psychologists, social workers, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Parent support groups and workshops are also offered throughout the school year. Related services such as special education and speech therapy are available to students outside of those who attend one of our programs.

Our Services

• Preschool Evaluations
• Contiuum of Preschool Program Models
• Inclusion Classes in Integrated Settings
• Community-based Special Classes
• Comprehensive, Highly Supported Special Classes
• The STAR Program, an early childhood special education curriculum designed for children with autism
• Music and Recreation Programs

Our Team of Classroom Professionals

• Certified Special Education Teachers and Teaching Assistants
• Speech Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists (limited availability)
• Social Workers
• School Psychologists

For further information regarding placement within one of our preschool programs, please contact Marci Roth at 914-420-6663, mroth@arcwestchester.org or visit our contact page.