Early Learning

Preschool Children with Developmental Delays

Educating and preparing young students to reach their full potential.

Recognizing and addressing children’s developmental issues as early as possible is critical, as it sets the foundation for their entire academic success—and the rest of their lives.

VOA-Greater New York operates a preschool special education program to address the specific needs of these students. Our Bronx Early Learning Center (BELC), located in the south Bronx, is a model program that serves children age 2.9 to 5 years who have developmental delays or disabilities. Many students are on the autism spectrum.

In addition to special education, the BELC provides on-site speech, occupational and physical therapy, and counseling for those children in need of such interventions. A full-time nurse and two social workers work closely with families, many of whom live below the poverty line and contend with challenges related to housing and food insecurity, among other things. Learn more about the BELC.

You Can Make a Difference

The impact of the BELC is life changing for the children who attend and their families. We hope you will consider supporting this extraordinary school by making a financial gift now and, when it is safe to do so, we look forward to inviting you to visit. To make a pledge or learn more, contact our Development Team at (929) 429-6840. We have naming opportunities for larger gifts. Smaller gifts are always welcome too—donate now.

We are also looking for individuals to join our interdisciplinary early learning center teams. Learn more about working at the BELC.

“My son couldn’t even speak when he started school.
He couldn’t say a word. But now he can become whatever he wants.”

– The parent of an ELC graduate

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