Yeled v’Yalda’s Project REACH (“Reinventing Education and Child Health”) is a unique and essential component of our proud family of Head Start programs. Project REACH provides home-based Head Start programming to children (ages 0-5) who are unable to participate in a school-based program due to medical or developmental needs, and a wide range of supports and services for families dealing with these challenges. Our weekly learning sessions provide the foundational preschool skills children need in order to reach their developmental milestones. Through Project REACH, Yeled v’Yalda is able to ensure that all children have access to the early education and school-readiness skills that will pave the way for their future academic development and success.

ABOUT PROJECT REACH

Project REACH is a home-based Head Start program, designed for children ages 0-5, who are medically fragile or who have been diagnosed with chronic illness and/or developmental delays.  Project REACH provides free, federally-funded supplemental education services and an array of educational opportunities, to address the needs of children whose ongoing education has been compromised due to chronic health challenges, reoccurring hospitalizations, or frequent doctors’ visits.

            Project REACH providers work with children and families to create personalized learning goals which are achieved through a variety of mediums, including music, art, books, games, toys, and more.  Individualized curriculums include goals in the areas of academics, language development, fine- and gross-motor skills, and social/emotional development.  Project REACH programs are individually designed according to each child’s distinctive and specific needs.

SERVICES

In addition to providing individualized home-based sessions, Yeled v’Yalda’s Project REACH program entitles children and families to a variety of essential resources and services.

Yeled v’Yalda provides a variety of health screenings which are administered by our on-staff nurses.

Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is available to provide information upon request to families seeking additional resources in the area of mental health.

Yeled v’Yalda hosts a variety of parent workshops designed to address the specific concerns and needs of families dealing with chronic illness, as well as on a range of other vital topics pertaining to child development.

Yeled v’Yalda provides opportunities for children and parents to participate in group socialization events, as an enjoyable and constructive way for families to meet one another and share encouragement, understanding, and support.

Our qualified staff provides service coordination intended to plan and organize the broad range of services available to children who qualify for special education or related services. These available services include all of Yeled v’Yalda’s extensive programs and therapies.

Yeled v’Yalda offers mental health support services to children and families in need of advice, guidance or intervention.

Additional benefits include advantages such as the “Cool Culture Membership Card,” free off-peak membership to Yeled v’Yalda’s fitness center, and free participation in Yeled v’Yalda’s parent events and opportunities.

Children and families enrolled in Project REACH have access to programs and amenities such as WIC, Facilitated Enrollment, Ezra Medical Center and Dental offices, the Yeled v’Yalda Fitness Center, the Yeled v’Yalda lending library, and more.

ELIGIBILITY

Project REACH accommodates children in low-income families who have medical diagnoses and/or developmental delays. Families experiencing other types of extenuating circumstances may be candidates for Project REACH as well. Acceptance is assessed confidentially and compassionately on an individual basis following an in-person interview.

FAQS

Federal Head Start programs such as Project REACH are not considered to be special education programs.  Children are eligible for Project REACH on the basis of their medical diagnoses, which at times can affect other areas of development.  Many children in Project REACH do receive other related services and therapies, and Project REACH providers collaborate with the child’s other therapists and specialists to work in tandem on specific therapy goals.

Project REACH instruction is provided on a one-to-one basis in the home environment.  Home instructors service children after receiving an approval from the child’s doctor, with special considerations and precautions applied for children who may be immuno-compromised.  Yeled v’Yalda provides the highest-quality and most up-to-date toys, games, and materials available.  Special attention is paid to the upkeep of our supplies, with toys and materials being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between each use.