Our Occupational Therapy Department takes a whole-child approach to evaluating and providing individualized therapeutic interventions for students. Services are delivered by a clinically trained therapist licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions, with the expertise to address each student’s unique needs and support their overall development.

Treatment focuses on sensory processing, sensory-motor development, fine motor and visual-motor skills, play skills, and self-care abilities. The therapist works collaboratively with teachers, staff members, and families to ensure that skills learned in therapy are reinforced throughout the school day, helping every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

In addition to traditional occupational therapy services, the department also runs Feed to Flourish, a sensory-based feeding program designed to support students with feeding challenges. This program uses evidence-based strategies to promote safe, positive mealtime experiences, improve oral motor skills, and expand food acceptance, helping students develop healthy and functional eating behaviors.

Through a combination of individualized therapy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and specialized programs like Feed to Flourish, the Occupational Therapy Department empowers students to reach their full potential across all areas of daily life.

Speech and language therapy plays a vital role in supporting children’s communication development at Just Kids New Suffolk. The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works to enhance students’ verbal and nonverbal communication skills, helping them understand and use language effectively while navigating social interactions. When appropriate, the SLP introduces and implements alternative or augmentative communication strategies tailored to each child’s individual needs.

As an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, the SLP ensures that communication skills are consistently reinforced throughout the school day. Families are a central part of each child’s therapy, and the SLP collaborates closely with parents to promote the carryover of skills into the home, fostering meaningful progress and functional communication in all environments.

All students attending school in New York State are required to participate in physical education each year from grades K–12. At Just Kids New Suffolk, we believe that every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to high-quality physical education experiences delivered in a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment.

Our Physical Education program is designed to promote physical fitness, motor skill development, coordination, and overall well-being. Activities are adapted to meet each student’s individual needs and abilities, ensuring that all children can actively engage, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Through structured lessons, cooperative games, and skill-building exercises, students also enhance social skills, teamwork, and self-regulation.

Physical Education at Just Kids New Suffolk is integrated with the broader educational and therapeutic programs, allowing students to apply skills learned in the gym to their daily routines and interactions. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families to provide a comprehensive, individualized approach that supports each child’s growth physically, socially, and emotionally.

The Physical Therapy Department at Just Kids is staffed by therapists licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions. Our physical therapists are integral members of the interdisciplinary team, collaborating closely with classroom staff to support the educational and developmental needs of each student.

Physical therapy services are provided to children who present with physical challenges or disabilities that impact their ability to fully participate in and benefit from the school environment. Through individualized assessment and intervention, physical therapists work to enhance strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, enabling students to engage safely and successfully in daily school activities.

Physical therapy also supports motor planning, general motor development, and functional mobility, promoting independence and confidence in both academic and social contexts. By addressing these critical physical skills, therapy helps students maximize participation in learning, play, and school routines, contributing to their overall growth, safety, and success.

The Social Worker at Just Kids provides essential support to families, helping parents navigate the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of their children with disabilities. They collaborate closely with parents, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a comprehensive, child-centered approach that empowers families to support their child’s development at home and in the school environment.

In addition to individualized parent support, the Social Worker facilitates parent support groups and conducts workshops on accessing community resources, helping families connect with external services, programs, and networks that enhance both the child’s and family’s overall well-being.

By prioritizing parent education, guidance, and advocacy, the Social Worker helps families build confidence, develop effective strategies, and foster a supportive environment that promotes emotional resilience and success for their children.

The School Nurse at Just Kids plays a vital role in promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all students. The nurse provides comprehensive health services, including routine screenings, administration of medications, first aid, and management of chronic health conditions. They work closely with students, families, and staff to address individual health needs and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

In addition to direct care, the School Nurse collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop health plans, supports students with individualized medical needs, and provides health education to students and families. By monitoring and promoting wellness, the nurse helps students maintain optimal physical and emotional health, enabling them to fully participate in school activities and achieve their academic and developmental goals.