Early Childhood Services

HeartShare transforms the lives of children diagnosed with disabilities or a developmental delay.

Pre-Schools for Children with Special Needs

A child’s first steps in the classroom are the ones that count the most. At HeartShare, children are set on the right path with an evaluation, if necessary, and a potential placement in one of our accredited pre-schools.

Looking to Start your Teaching Career, Join our Team!: about Pre-Schools for Children with Special Needs
Two young girls drawing with markers.

Evaluation Services

Parents face a possibly daunting and uncertain time when they believe their child may have a developmental delay. HeartShare’s supportive and expert team evaluates children to make that determination. Trained professionals at HeartShare are able to use observation, as well as standardized tests to see how a young child is learning and responding to their environment. Parents are encouraged to be present, and most tasks are presented through toys and games. HeartShare also offers guidance on how to plan for their child’s bright and independent future by connecting them to needed resources.

Education Services

HeartShare has four preschools in Brooklyn and Queens that service children ages 3 to 5 with special needs. Our schools customize academic curriculum alongside needed therapeutic interventions, such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, in order to meet the specific needs of each child. Art and music therapy also supplement classroom learning. HeartShare staff work to have their students reach their full potential by setting goals through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) as well as educating and working with parents. HeartShare accommodates this growth with integrated classrooms, where special education students learn alongside typically developing children. All HeartShare pre-schools are accredited or in process of accreditation with the rigorous NYS Association for the Education of Young Children. In 2015, the NYC Department of Education has recognized HeartShare pre-schools as a model early education program.

HeartShare in the Community

Evaluation Services*

(718) 323-2877

*HeartShare Evaluation Services will be available at our Cuomo and Kiwanis First Step Early Childhood Centers.

Cuomo First Step Early Childhood Center

115-15 101st Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11419
(718) 441-5333

Taranto First Step Early Childhood Center

1825 Bath Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11214
(718) 238-4637

Kiwanis First Step Early Childhood Center

82-12 151st Avenue
Howard Beach, NY 11414
(718) 848-0300

Russo First Step Early Childhood Center

118-01 101st Avenue
Richmond Hill NY 11419
(718) 805-7117

Developmental Disabilities Services

“It was the most frightening thing to learn and to accept that both of my children are on the spectrum, but I want parents to know that in HeartShare classrooms, my sons were safe, happy and taken care of.”