Special Education
Mission Statement
The Mercaz is committed to strengthen 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 our new initiative, Quality Review and Enchancement.
The Toronto Jewish educational community is fortunate to be in the forefront regarding the establishment of programs designed to accommodate varying groups in the special needs population. Many 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
For further information contact Dafna Ross at dross@ujafed.org or by phone at 416 633.7770 ext. 292.
Reports
Tikun Chaim Progess Report (January 2006)
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.
Resources Click below to reach the requested resource:
Selected special needs resources (Pedagogic Library)
Open University books in Hebrew (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 Mercaz 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.
