Business Details
East River Child Development Center: Special Education Preschool in NYC
East River Child Development Center is a private, non-profit preschool dedicated to providing high-quality educational and therapeutic services for children with special needs aged 2 to 5. Located in Manhattan, we prioritize a family-centered, community-based approach, ensuring each child receives personalized attention tailored to their unique needs. Our programs are fully funded and regulated by the New York State and City Departments of Education, guaranteeing compliance with rigorous educational and safety standards. Our dedicated team of certified educators and therapists collaborates closely with parents to create a supportive environment where children can thrive. We offer bilingual instruction, transportation services, and access to specialized therapies, all designed to foster holistic development and prepare students for successful transitions to kindergarten.With over two decades of experience, our leadership and staff have established a reputation for excellence, innovation, and compassion in early childhood special education. Our classrooms, spanning all five boroughs of New York City, are equipped with sensory-friendly spaces and staffed by professionals committed to nurturing each childs potential. Parents consistently highlight the warmth, engagement, and transformative progress their children experience within our programs. By integrating cutting-edge curricula with evidence-based therapeutic interventions, we empower families to play an active role in their childs educational journey. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and continuous improvement ensures that every family receives reliable, high-impact support tailored to their childs growth and development needs.
Services
Special Education
Bilingual Programs
Therapy Services
Transportation Services
SEIT Support
Enrichment Activities
Highlights and features
- We provide state-funded, certified special education programs tailored to individual needs.
- Our team includes bilingual educators and therapists with expertise in early childhood development.
- We offer free transportation and inclusive classrooms across all five NYC boroughs.
- Our parents consistently report significant academic and social progress in their children.
- We maintain a nurturing, family-centered environment with small class sizes and personalized care.
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Significant progress noted
Supportive environment
Engaged staff
Nurturing leadership
Services
Special Education
Our special education programs provide individualized instruction for children aged 25 with developmental delays or disabilities. Certified educators design curricula to address cognitive, social, and motor skills through play-based activities. Services are fully funded by New York State, ensuring accessible, high-quality education tailored to each childs unique needs.
Therapy Services
We offer speech, occupational, and physical therapy delivered by licensed professionals in sensory-friendly environments. Therapies are integrated into daily activities to promote communication, coordination, and mobility. These services, regulated by the NYC Department of Education, support children in achieving developmental milestones within a nurturing, inclusive setting.
Bilingual Programs
Our bilingual programs deliver instruction in a childs primary language while introducing English through interactive lessons. This approach ensures families from diverse backgrounds can actively participate in their childs education. Teachers emphasize cultural sensitivity and language development to enhance learning and self-expression.
Transportation Services
Complimentary transportation is provided via the NYC Department of Educations Office of Pupil Transportation. This service ensures reliable access to our programs across all five boroughs. Safety and punctuality are prioritized to accommodate families schedules and reduce barriers to enrollment.
SEIT Support
SEIT services provide one-on-one support for children requiring individualized attention in classroom settings. Trained instructors collaborate with teachers to implement personalized strategies for behavioral and academic growth. This targeted approach fosters inclusion, independence, and successful transitions to mainstream schooling.
People
Sonia Nachuk
Program Director
Sonia Nachuk leads East River Child Development Center with over 20 years of experience in early childhood special education. She advocates for family-centered learning and oversees curriculum development and staff training. Sonias leadership emphasizes innovation, equity, and community engagement.
Questions
What services does East River offer for children with special needs?
We provide special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, bilingual programs, and SEIT support tailored to ages 2–5.
Are services at East River free of charge?
Yes, all programs are fully funded by the New York State and City Departments of Education at no cost to families.
Is transportation provided to the center?
Yes, complimentary transportation is available through the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation.
How do parents participate in their child’s education here?
Parents attend classroom events, collaborate with teachers, and receive regular progress updates to support learning at home.
What sets East River apart from other preschools?
Our inclusive, sensory-friendly environment combines certified staff, personalized care, and proven curricula to maximize developmental outcomes.
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Reviews (4)
Ed Tsue
Aug 28, 2019
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This is a great school with a really caring teaching staff. At first, we were a bit anxious because of its location in the middle of nowhere-- but it turned out to be an excellent school for our kid with teachers that all really care and take time to communicate. We really appreciate them.
Susana Li
Dec 10, 2018
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My daughter started here at age 3 and stayed here for two years. It is a very simple setting with very caring staff. My daughter has grown and learn so much from here.
D. Otaz
Jul 07, 2018
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I went to this school when I was 3 and graduated when I was 4 I am now in sixth grade and I will never forget the amazing memories I had in this school and this school meant so much to me.
Lord U.
Dec 05, 2016
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My daughter was in this school like 8 years ago and it help her alot. you have wonderful teachers and staff member.
