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Special Education

Mission Statement
Certificate Program in Special Education
Reports
Resources
Current Special Education Services in Toronto
Contact Information

Mission Statement

The Mercaz is committed to strengthening the educational support services available to Jewish children living within the local boundaries of Greater Toronto, so that all children, regardless of exceptionality, can benefit and achieve their greatest potential.  To that end, special needs services are being included in the Quality Review and Enhancement process being undertaken by Mercaz staff members.

 

Certificate Program in Special Education

UJA Federation Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education (the Mercaz), Tikun Chaim and York University offer a Certificate Program in Special Education.  The fourth cohort began in August 2007.

Read all about it here:
Information Sheet
FAQ's

Reports

Tikun Chaim Progess Report (January 2007)
Isn't Every Child Special? (UJA Federation BJE study that was the foundation for Tikun Chaim)

These reports are in Adobe pdf format. If you are unable to read the reports click on the icon below and download Acrobat Reader, which is free software.

For further information, contact Dafna at 416 633.7770 ext. 292 or dross@ujafed.org

Resources

Click below to reach the requested resource:
Selected special needs resources (the Pedagogic Library)
Open University books in Hebrew (the Pedagogic Library)
Websites dealing with bullying
Websites dealing with gifted / high-ability learners
Print resources dealing with gifted / high-ability learners
Supplementary learning options for gifted/high-ability learners (southern Ontario)
FAQs about gifted / high-ability learners

Articles of interest about gifted / high-ability learners (*pdf format)
Resource materials for practical use (high-ability learners) (*pdf format)

It is with great pride that we inform you that Joanne Foster has recently co-authored Being Smart about Gifted Children: A Guidebook for Parents and Educators. For further information about this book click here. Joanne was also featured in the TVO show More to Life, speaking about gifted children. A tape of the show is available at the Media Centre.

Resources from the recent conference: Council for Exceptional Children
A Tale of Two Boards

Programming for Gifted Learners
Bibliography

*If you are unable to access the pdf files above, click on the Adobe icon and download Adobe Reader, which is free software.

 

Current Special Education Services

The Toronto Jewish educational community is fortunate to be in the forefront regarding the establishment of Jewish programs designed to accommodate varying groups in the special needs population.

  • Zareinu Educational Centre provides special education and on-site therapeutic intervention for children birth to thirteen years of age. The population includes children with learning, developmental and/or physical challenges. Families receive at home support through an outreach program.
  • Other day schools have established inclusive programs, resource rooms, withdrawal programs, and various means of assistance to their students in need. As well, programs for the gifted / talented have been initiated in some schools.
There are several special needs programs in supplementary schools:
  • Tikvat Haim is a specialized program for children with special needs. The program includes a focus on Jewish heritage and identity and Hebrew language.
  • Kadima School is a Sunday program that offers classes for young adults at Beth Emeth Synagogue.
  • Yachad holds a Torah High classs for teens and young adults with special needs every Wednesday evening at the NCSY Centre.
  • Many supplementary schools have instituted programs to accommodate children with their various learning needs.

The needs of families in the community are being recognized by the educational system, and a growing number of services are being provided as these needs are met.

Contact Information

For further information contact Dafna Ross at dross@ujafed.org or by phone at 416 633.7770 ext. 292.