Autism Program
At NCS we have a fully inclusive program for Autistic students. Our program provides highly rigorous academic instruction paired with social, sensory, and behavioral support to provide an inclusive environment for all students. Our Autism program serves diagnosed students who have average or above-average cognitive and verbal abilities. Within our program, we offer smaller class sizes, two lead teachers in every room, and small group social instruction within “Social Club.” Additionally, we provide family support and education to expand the partnership between school and home. Our goal is to provide a supportive learning environment that educates the whole child, fostering an equitable educational experience that ensures our students achieve their full academic potential.
Please click here to see if your child would be a good fit for the NCS Autism program.
Social Club
Social Club is a small group interactive session, led by speech-language pathologists, intended to support improving social competencies. Social Club sessions largely use frameworks and methodologies from Social Thinking®, an educational company created by founder Michelle Garcia Winner, which provides evidence-based strategies and curricula to help individuals of all ages develop social competencies by deeply connecting social, emotional, and cognitive development. In these sessions, students work on concepts such as perspective-taking, understanding thoughts and feelings of themselves and others, becoming flexible thinkers, and more! All scholars in the NCS Autism program participate in Social Club.
Co-Teaching
All core contents at NCS are co-taught by two lead teachers. Co-teaching creates a more inclusive, dynamic, supportive, and equitable classroom environment. Our teachers use a variety of different models throughout the day to meet students’ academic, social, and behavioral needs. Our leadership teams help to coach teachers around the utilization of different models to help meet the individual needs of the students within each classroom. Using these models allows for students to receive more individualized attention, as teachers can more effectively provide differentiated instruction to a range of abilities.
12:1 Classes
The purpose of the 12:1 program at NCS is to address the unique needs of scholars who require more instructional support in select core content areas than an ICT classroom provides. This program is listed on a student’s IEP as “12:1” and gives scholars a chance to receive the individualized and foundational academic support they need while still participating in some inclusive programming throughout the day. Students in our 12:1 program typically match a profile of a student who is at least 2-3 grade levels below, academically, and does not require intensive or therapeutic behavioral supports. Our program allows students to feel successful academically and fosters a love of learning in school. Our 12:1 teachers utilize different programs and modalities to address foundational skills and grade-level standards to fill in knowledge gaps, build student access to grade-level content, and create an environment where students feel successful. Instruction is planned and developed through data study to ensure that individualized student needs are being met.
Multilingual Learning (MLL program)
At Neighborhood Charter Schools, we believe that language is a powerful asset. Our Multilingual Learning (MLL) program is designed to affirm and support students who speak languages other than English at home. Through targeted instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive academically while honoring their cultural and linguistic identities.
Students are identified for MLL services based on NYSITELL and NYSESLAT results, with a focus on providing the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for learning. We also support students from bilingual households who may benefit from additional language scaffolding. Our team ensures each student receives individualized support, whether through small group instruction, push-in services, or targeted interventions, because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered in every language they speak.
Parents talk about the ASD program
The Enrollment Process
Key Aspects of Our Programs
Smaller class sizes
Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT)
Two teachers per classroom
High expectations
Academic growth
Social emotional development
Autism best practices
Predictability and strong routines
Consistency in environments
Visual supports
Individualized, family centered planning
‘Social Club’
Small group social skills lessons
Led by Speech Language Pathologists (SLP)
Opportunities to practice through play
Social Thinking Curriculum
Parent Collaboration and Support
Regular parent events (social and educational)
Access to support from extensive Special Education Leadership Team
