NEST

This program brings together General Education Students with children who are on the Autism Spectrum. NEST classes contain 4 autistic students and 8 general education students in Kindergarten or 12 general education students in grades 1-5. These classes are supported full-time by a team of two teachers (1 general education teacher and one special education teacher). With only 12 to 16 children total, these micro-integrated coteaching classes ensure that all students get the academic, social and emotional skills they need to reach their full potential.

NEST Classes follow the same curriculum used in all PS32 classes and participate in all grade-level activities and events. Social Development Intervention, led by speech therapists and supported by classroom teachers helps students understand the social world. SDI is an evidence-based program that builds social awareness and supports student understanding of social expectations while encouraging authentic communication and self-advocacy. SDI provides students with the opportunity to practice social communication skills in a supportive environment which supports the generalization of these social skills into the classroom setting. SDI incorporates students’ special interests into sessions which helps build peer relationships and increases social engagement.