Ian Alcantara-Beltre : Rockland NY BOCES Preschool: Early Education Support for Kids

WEST NYACK – Ian Alcantara-Beltre showcases his cognitive abilities at Rockland BOCES preschool as he confidently identifies colors and demonstrates various age-appropriate skills. The 3-year-old is one of the 16 students enrolled in the newly launched preschool program that offers free education to children aged 3-5 with Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

The lack of available preschool slots has become a growing concern in Rockland County. While there are several nonprofits offering preschool programs for children with exceptional needs, the demand continues to outpace the available spaces, leaving many children without access to the early support they require.

BOCES Executive Director of Student Services, Christine Ditrano, explains that the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation. With limited opportunities for language development and social interaction during the height of the pandemic, many children who were born around that time are now of preschool age and in need of extra support.

Preschool plays a crucial role in the developmental milestones of children. Rockland BOCES preschool recognizes this and integrates speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy into their daily curriculum, which runs from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The program aims to provide a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow while receiving the necessary therapeutic interventions.

Donna Bogin, Child Program Coordinator for the Rockland County Department of Health, highlights the impact of the pandemic on early childhood education. The lack of access to childcare, nursery school, and recreational programs during the pandemic has resulted in a surge of children requiring preschool to catch up on essential age-appropriate skills.

Currently, the Rockland BOCES preschool can accommodate 16 children across two classes, each with one teacher and two assistants. However, the program is open to expansion if the demand continues to rise.

Early intervention and support are vital to ensure better outcomes for children. The Rockland BOCES preschool focuses on integrating therapies seamlessly into the children’s playtime. During a recent class, speech language pathologist Desirae Zagaroli engaged 4-year-old Alma Collado in a sorting game, incorporating sign language to support her speech development.

While the atmosphere at Rockland BOCES preschool is filled with laughter and hugs, the emphasis remains on building developmentally appropriate skills. The teachers and staff work tirelessly to help children catch up and bridge any gaps before they enter kindergarten.

Nancy Cutler, who covers People & Policy for lohud.com and the USA Today Network New York, can be reached at ncutler@lohud.com or followed on Twitter at @nancyrockland.