Commonpoint Queens is proud to offer inclusive programming specifically designed to meet the social, emotional, educational, and recreational needs of children. An individual interview is required for each of these programs so that our professional team can welcome your child and assist in the selection of programs that would be most successful.
For more information on our programs for youth with disabilities or to register for classes, please contact Lisa Armband, MS, Senior Director of Special Services at [email protected]
Below are several of our program offerings:
Sam Field Center – Little Neck
Special Services After School Program
This after school care program is for children with developmental disabilities ages 5-21. Groups meet daily after school under the direction of professionally supervised staff. New York City Board of Education transportation is provided from school to the Sam Field Center, and mini-bus transportation may be provided by the Sam Field Center to the child’s home at the end of the day.
For more information, please contact Natalie Palermo at [email protected]
School Holiday Program
We provide children with developmental disabilities with an exciting assortment of trips to places of interest on most school holidays and vacations throughout the year. Interview required. For more information, please contact Natalie Palermo at [email protected]
Weekend Teen
A once monthly recreational program that meets on Sunday afternoons geared for high functioning and independent teens with developmental disabilities. Contact Natalie Palermo at [email protected]
Bay Terrace Center
Project Child After School Program
This after-school program at the Bay Terrace Center offers the opportunity for children to enjoy safe, supportive and successful after-school experiences with a 3:1 child to staff ratio. Each afternoon, children participate in educational, recreational and socialization experiences designed to enhance academic and social skills while boosting self-esteem. Daily schedule includes homework help, arts & crafts, yoga, cooking, science and gym time. Program is offered 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and runs for the length of the school year. Snack is provided.
For more information please contact Abel Vigo at [email protected] or by calling (718) 423-6111 ext. 240.
Project Child School Holiday Program
We provide children with developmental disabilities with an exciting assortment of trips to places of interest on most school holidays and vacations throughout the year. Interview required. For more information please contact Abel Vigo at [email protected] or by calling (718) 423-6111 ext. 240.
Social Skills Group
Commonpoint Queens and The Seaver and New York Autism Center of Excellence at Mount Sinai School of Medicine will be jointly sponsoring a social skills program. This program includes a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) structure for teaching skills, and will focus on skills such as non-verbal communication, social initiation, problem solving and coping strategies for children on the autistic spectrum. Each group will consist of 5-8 children and meet once a week for an hour and a half. Peer mentors, typically developing, age matched children, will be incorporated in the social skills therapy group on a periodic basis. Simultaneously, once a week a parent discussion group will meet for half an hour with our trained staff. We will have groups for children ages 5-8 and ages 9-12, and young adults ages 13-17.
Call (718) 423-6111 or email [email protected] for more information.
Central Queens – Forest Hills
Commonpoint Queens is proud to offer inclusive programming specifically designed to meet the social, emotional, educational, and recreational needs of children ages 5-21. An individual interview is required for each of these programs so that our professional team can welcome your child and assist in the selection of programs that would be most successful.
For more information please contact Abel Vigo at [email protected] or by calling (718) 423-6111 ext. 240.
Internship Opportunities for teenagers with IEPs
In collaboration with our High School and College Success team we have identified students with IEPs and are now offering – paid – supportive internships with Commonpoint Queens programs. Internships are being offered at our Kids Korner After School Program, the Central Queens Food Pantry, in our Special Services Enrichment programs, as well as our Special Services recreational programs at Central Queens. Internships provide skill training, job readiness, and professional development opportunities. For more information on this program please contact Abel Vigo at [email protected].
Summer Programs
Special Services Summer Day Camp
Our day camps specialize in serving children 5-21 who have developmental disabilities. Campers have the adventure of full day summer camp experiences at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds with occasional field trips. For more information please contact Lisa Armband at [email protected] or Natalie Palermo at [email protected].
Autism Summer Respite
This youth summer camp program serves children with autism and other similar disabilities ages 5 – 21. Children participate in an array of educational, recreational and socialization activities following their summer school program. Day camp activities are designed and implemented by professional educators and clinicians. The summer program is offered 2:30 – 5 PM daily. At the end of each program day, participants may be eligible for mini-bus transportation home. At summer school’s end, a one-week, full day respite program is offered to day camp program participants. For more information please contact Natalie Palermo at [email protected]
Explorer Day Camp at the Queens County Farm Museum
(for children ages 5-12)
We’re thrilled to partner with the Queens County Farm Museum for a unique experience, connecting the expertise of Explorer Day Camp with unique STEM curriculum and a 47-acre urban farm!
This special summer program allows young people the opportunity to explore the natural outdoor setting and take part in daily lessons about farm-centered activities provided by expert staff. Campers enjoy exciting and specialized activities such as Nature Walks, Farming, and Scavenger Hunts as well as traditional summer camp programming like Arts & Crafts, Sports, Theme Days and Games.
For more information call Abel Vigo at 718-423-6111 ext. 240 or by email at [email protected]
Sports Programs
Sam Field Center
Soccer Stars/Basketball Buddies (Thursdays)
This 1 hour class is run by a physical education instructor along with other staff including a licensed social worker. Each child learns specific basketball skills and social skills. This is a great way for children to socialize with their peers while learning social skills and sports each week.
Yoga (Tuesdays)
Participants will improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise and stay active while still having lots of fun! This also helps with body awareness, relaxation, and stress relief for children.
Zumba (Mondays)
Participants will improve coordination and learn adaptable dance moves. Exercise and stay active while still having lots of fun! This is a great way for children to socialize with their peers while learning social skills and build a community each week.
Comets Cheerleading (Tuesdays)
Participants will improve physical endurance, coordination, and flexible. Exercise and stay active while still having lots of fun! Children will also socialize and form a sense of belonging.
For more information please contact Marianna Albines at [email protected].
Central Queens
Swimming (Sundays)
Primary/foundational skills is a beginner class. Students will learn safety skills and water acclimation. Students will learn basic aquatics skills such as blowing bubbles, kicking and putting their faces in the water. Concepts are introduced through fun games and activities. A parent or support staff is required to join in the water with each child.
Stroke development/Level 3 is for children who have foundational swimming skills and are ready for technicalities of swimming. This course is for children who have done well in the beginner class, or have otherwise been assessed by the swim instructor to be ready for this level class.
Karate (Sundays)
Our Karate class helps children redirect their natural impulses toward aggression and channels them in constructive, helpful, and beneficial ways, while helping them learn about respect, focus, honor and discipline.
Soccer Stars/Basketball Buddies (Wednesdays)
This 1 hour class is run by a physical education instructor along with other staff including a licensed social worker. Each child learns specific basketball skills and social skills. This is a great way for children to socialize with their peers while learning social skills and sports each week.
Cooking (Sundays)
Teaching children to cook helps inspire confidence and creativity, healthier meals, and fun. Classes involve hands-on learning about ingredients, personal hygiene and food safety, and cooking and baking techniques. They’ll learn where food comes from and how to create healthy, nutritious meals that are also delicious.
For more information, please email [email protected]
Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
A Time For Us
A Time for Us allows adults with Developmental Disabilities to participate in social and recreational opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. Participants will have the opportunity to make lasting friendships while taking part in fun activities with peers and caring and professional staff and community members. We meet one Sunday per month, from October through June, and participate in fun and interactive activities and trips like bowling, cooking with personal chefs, arts and crafts, field days, a year-end prom and so much more. A small fee is typically collected. Times, locations, and prices will vary based on the event. For more information please contact Abel Vigo at [email protected] or by calling (718) 423-6111 ext. 240.
Opportunities to Work with Children with Developmental Disabilities
Consortia for Learning and Service to Special Populations (C.L.A.S.S.P.)
High school students are hand selected to learn and work in programs serving children with special needs, while taking a class for college credit at Long Island University – C.W. Post
Advanced C.L.A.S.S.P.
Current college students are hand selected to learn and work in programs serving children with special needs, while taking a class for college credit at Long Island University – C.W. Post
For more information on these programs please contact Natalie Palermo at [email protected]