"Life-Changing Outcomes for Exceptional Kids"

The progress I’ve seen while Brandon has been at First Children is amazing. In just one year, his transformation has been incredibly significant.

Welcome to First Children School!

First Children School is located in Fanwood, New Jersey. We specialize in educating students with multiple disabilities including those who are medically fragile, developmentally, intellectually, or physically disabled, deaf or hard of hearing, and/or visually impaired.

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Education

First Children School in Fanwood is a New Jersey Department of Education approved private school for students with disabilities serving students in grades PreK through high school. We are a stepping off point for children with disabilities who need highly specialized educational and therapeutic services for some period in their lives.

The goal of First Children School is to ultimately return a student to their home district. We assist with this process to ensure a smooth transition, including providing a half day service. We also provide assistance to public schools that are in need of a more specialized program in district.

First Children School utilizes the New Jersey Student Learning Standards curriculum, modified for the learning of our students. The preschool follows the HighScope as well as the Creative Curriculum. Every student receives instruction in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, character education, music, and health. Classroom activities, as well as field trips, enhance the curriculum. Every student at First Children, grades three and up, participate in the state testing. The Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) is given every spring to assess the students learning. In Language Arts, the teachers use a variety of materials including Edmark Reading and Reading Milestones which are proven successes. In other subject areas, all lessons are multi-sensory with specific goals as per their individualized education program (IEP). Manipulatives and projects are used to reinforce skills.

Specialized Instruction and Support for Students with Complex Needs

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Our Teachers of the Deaf provide in class support as well as individualized instruction. An audiologist provides consultative services and monitoring.

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Visually Impaired

We have a full time Teacher of the Visually Impaired who provides individual and consultative sessions to our students and staff.

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Behavioral Support

Students can receive one to one ABA as well as push in services to the classroom.

Medically Fragile

Our nurses are trained in the total care of students that have significant medical issues.

Parent Support Services

We have the best team available to educate and care for your child. And YOU are an important part of our team!

We have an open door policy, so parents are always welcome to observe classes or therapies. We also provide informational and support services, like our free weekly sign language class.

Additional Support

  • Full-Time Nursing

    We have a full staff of nurses who are trained in the care of students who have significant medical issues.

  • Enrichment Therapies

    We utilize music, pet, and horticultural therapies in our curriculum.

  • Life Skills Instruction

    Our students learn to explore their environments. Field trips, community based instruction as well as interactive presentations help to broaden knowl-edge and generalize skills.

  • Medical Clinics

    We offer a wide range of school based clinical services. These include Physiatry, Neurodevelopmnental, Audiology/Speech/Feeding, Orthotic, and Rehabilitative. Parents are encouraged to participate.

  • Extended School Year

    Our 7-week long summer program gives new youngsters the opportunity to become acquainted with their new school in a particularly low-key environment, and it allows current students to maintain learning that is hard to retain over long summer breaks.

  • Therapeutic Services

    Physical, occupational, and speech/feeding therapy are provided individually as well as in small groups. Educators and therapists meet daily to discuss goals and treatment planning.