Who are we?
Founded in 1975, our agency has grown from one small school into a large network of programs serving a wide range of New Yorkers who face significant challenges. Through a wide range of educational services, residential and family support programs, we enable these adults and children to achieve their full potential — while also transforming their lives.
How do we reach our goals?
We continually search for winning solutions for life’s complex challenges. Thanks to the skills, commitment and hard work of our staff and volunteers, we inspire hope and touch lives.
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Manhattan Early Childhood Center

This School opened in July of 1994 and currently operates many programs for children. We have an Early Intervention program for children Eighteen (18) months to two (2) years. This program operates for two (2) hour sessions and provides Special Instruction, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies. We also offer Family Training and Support to those students whose IFSP mandates such services.

We operate full day classes for children ages Three (3) to Five (5) under Committee on Pre-School Education (CPSE). These classes are comprised of children with a variety of disabilities including autism, PDD, speech and language impaired. Class sizes of 6:1:2, 8:1:2, 10:1:2, and 12:1:2 are available. We also have two integrated pre-school classes, which are 12:1:1 and 16:1:2.

We have a Head Start program that is in operation from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. provides an exciting learning opportunity for students three (3) to five (5) years old, both with and without disabilities.

Birch Family Services School for Exceptional Children, Annex Program, is a school age program for five to seven years old children. The children who attend this program present with a variety of disabilities including autism, learning disabilities, and speech and language difficulties.

The Herbert G. Birch Early Childhood Center provides services twelve (12) months a year for students whose Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) mandates such service. The CPSE and CSE (School Age Program) provides Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Counseling for students whose I.E.P. mandates these services.

The Program offers training to staff on site and encourages staff members to attend conferences to help further their professional development.

Manhattan Early Childhood Center