Academics
Related Services
Reading Program
Students who qualify for reading as a related service receive instruction individually and/or in group by our certified Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or literacy-certified reading teachers. Students who require Wilson instruction receive it individually for a minimum of three, 40-minute periods per week. To assure continued growth and progress in reading, the students are given systematic and explicit instruction in all reading areas.
Reading specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to practice new skills in the classroom. The in-class reading program at Vincent Smith uses UFLI, a research and evidence-based program developed for and by teachers at the University of Florida. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence, designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. The program is designed to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade.
Reading specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to practice new skills in the classroom. The in-class reading program at Vincent Smith uses UFLI, a research and evidence-based program developed for and by teachers at the University of Florida. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence, designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. The program is designed to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade.
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Additionally, classroom teachers use a multi-sensory approach, which provides help in the following areas:
- Phonological awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Decoding and encoding skills
- Vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
- Written expression
Speech Program Text
Our Speech Therapy program is designed to support students in developing clear, confident communication skills that strengthen their success in the classroom and beyond.
NY State licensed speech-language pathologists work closely with students on areas such as articulation, fluency, voice, and expressive and receptive language.
Each individualized plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify a student’s strengths and challenges. Goals are then developed to ensure therapy supports both academic learning and everyday communication. Sessions may take place individually or in small groups, fostering peer interaction and practicing skills in real-world contexts.
Our therapists also collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate strategies directly into daily instruction. This holistic approach helps students generalize their skills across settings, from reading aloud in class to participating in group projects.
The ultimate goal of our Speech Therapy program is to empower students with the tools and confidence they need to express themselves clearly, understand others effectively, and thrive in academic and social environments.
NY State licensed speech-language pathologists work closely with students on areas such as articulation, fluency, voice, and expressive and receptive language.
Each individualized plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify a student’s strengths and challenges. Goals are then developed to ensure therapy supports both academic learning and everyday communication. Sessions may take place individually or in small groups, fostering peer interaction and practicing skills in real-world contexts.
Our therapists also collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate strategies directly into daily instruction. This holistic approach helps students generalize their skills across settings, from reading aloud in class to participating in group projects.
The ultimate goal of our Speech Therapy program is to empower students with the tools and confidence they need to express themselves clearly, understand others effectively, and thrive in academic and social environments.
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapy (OT) program helps students strengthen the skills they need to participate fully and confidently in school life.
Occupational therapists focus on building fine motor skills, handwriting, hand–eye coordination, self-regulation, organization, and sensory processing. For younger students, activities may include games, crafts, or movement exercises that improve dexterity and body awareness. In the middle grades, therapy emphasizes more advanced skills such as keyboarding, note-taking, managing classroom materials, and strategies for staying focused during lessons.
Each student begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify areas of strength and challenge. Goals are developed to ensure that therapy directly supports both academic achievement and daily routines. Sessions may take place individually or in small groups, giving students the opportunity to practice skills in supportive, real-world contexts.
The goal of our Occupational Therapy program is to equip students with practical tools, strategies, and confidence. By strengthening foundational skills, we help them engage more fully in schoolwork, social activities, and the routines of daily life.
Occupational therapists focus on building fine motor skills, handwriting, hand–eye coordination, self-regulation, organization, and sensory processing. For younger students, activities may include games, crafts, or movement exercises that improve dexterity and body awareness. In the middle grades, therapy emphasizes more advanced skills such as keyboarding, note-taking, managing classroom materials, and strategies for staying focused during lessons.
Each student begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify areas of strength and challenge. Goals are developed to ensure that therapy directly supports both academic achievement and daily routines. Sessions may take place individually or in small groups, giving students the opportunity to practice skills in supportive, real-world contexts.
The goal of our Occupational Therapy program is to equip students with practical tools, strategies, and confidence. By strengthening foundational skills, we help them engage more fully in schoolwork, social activities, and the routines of daily life.
Counseling
The goal of our Counseling Program is to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of every student. We recognize that each child has unique strengths, learning styles, and needs. By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and positive relationships, we help students build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in school and in the wider world.
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Our counselors provide both direct and indirect services designed to meet individual and group needs. These include:
- Individual Play Therapy for personalized emotional support
- Group Therapy to encourage peer connection and shared problem-solving
- Social Skills Training that fosters communication, cooperation, and empathy
- Collaboration with teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and outside providers to create consistent, holistic support
- Participation in classroom activities to help students practice and generalize new skills
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Therapy sessions focus on key developmental areas such as:
- Building meaningful relationships
- Strengthening reciprocal communication
- Expanding play and language skills
- Developing self-regulation strategies
- Practicing healthy coping skills
- Enhancing social problem-solving
Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to manage challenges, build lasting friendships, and reach their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom.
