The QSAC School for Students with Autism in the Bronx provides educational services for students ages 3 to 21 on the autism spectrum. The school has classes with 6:1:3, 8:1:2, and 10:1:2 student-to-staff ratios. Our preschool program has 6:1:2 and 8:1:2 student-to-staff ratios. Students are assigned to a classroom based on age and academic skill level.
Upon a student’s enrollment at the school, the classroom teacher and speech therapist administer a number of assessments to further determine the student’s skill level. Following the completion of these assessments, an individualized curriculum is developed by this team in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and through consultation with the family, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), Committee on Special Education (CSE), and the school’s clinical team.
Once the IEP and annual goals are completed, a curriculum is designed to address individualized goals. All goals are implemented throughout the day by the classroom staff in accordance with the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Based on assessed need, the assigned speech therapist provides individualized speech therapy sessions. Both classroom and speech curricula are implemented in a natural environment to capitalize on naturalistic learning opportunities and to promote generalization. Occupational therapy services are delivered in a similar fashion. Students participate in an Adaptive Physical Education (APE) program with a certified physical education teacher. As with all other instruction and curricula utilized within the school, goals are developed to meet specific motor and physical development goals.
Once a student has been accepted to the program, transportation to and from the school is arranged and provided by the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT). Students have the opportunity, when appropriate, to assist in their own lunch preparation. The site is at 3200 Jerome Avenue in a residential area close to Lehman College, public transportation, stores, and eateries.
QSAC's Preschool and School in the Bronx is funded by the New York State Education Department and New York City Department of Education or Nassau County School Districts.
Bronx School and Preschool
(718) 7-AUTISM x2500
3200 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468
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Susan joined QSAC in August of 2016 to serve as the Director of our new school in the Bronx. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Smith College, an M.A. in Special Education and Behavior Disorders from Columbia University Teachers College, and a Ph.D. in Special Education from The Ohio State University. She holds permanent certifications as a New York State Special Education Teacher and School Administrator and Supervisor, as well as national BCBA-D certification and Licensure as a Behavior Analyst (LBA) in New York State.
Susan Silvestri, Ph.D., BCBA-D, SAS, LBA