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Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, (SNACK)
SNACK Mission – SNACK, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, is the creation of New York mom and SNACK’s Executive Director, Jackie Ceonzo. In 2003, after being unable to find a fulfilling program for her son, Joey, whose disabilities fall on the autism spectrum, she worked with a team of professionals to create a place for special needs children with challenging behaviors to socialize and enjoy recreational activities while learning practical skills in a collaborative, fun and welcoming environment.
The mission of SNACK, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, is to fill a void in the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other similar developmental and behavioral disabilities by providing after-school and weekend recreational programs designed and staffed to address their needs. Our mission is accomplished by establishing activity centers that offer a variety of group and individual activities to provide these children with the help they need to thrive – the opportunity to make friends, improve skill levels, build confidence, participate in activities that typical kids do everyday and have some fun.
SNACK provides specialized instructional techniques not available in other special needs programs and is committed to never turning a child away—no matter how challenging the behaviors. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to have the same opportunities available to typically developing children in an environment that is committed to their success.
A key philosophy of SNACK is to accept children of all capabilities, through our no “in-take” policy. We offer free trial classes and families decide if SNACK is right for their child, not the other way around. SNACK’s activity centers are devoted to “Fun, Friends, and Hope” and welcome those with physical disabilities, verbal and non-verbal language abilities, across all socio-economic, race, and ethnic backgrounds.
SNACK programs:
SNACK-tivities Socialization Classes – We’ve combined a variety of individual and group activities into a highly structured 2-hour program that promotes socialization among peers in a fun environment.
The SNACKtivities Program is designed and staffed to address challenging behavioral issues, increase skill levels and promote improved social interaction. The ratio of students to staff is not more than 2:1, class size limit (maximum 8 per class); use of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to manage behavior and provide reinforcement, and our staff’s unique skill set, enables the children who participate to make progress. It also gives parents the confidence to leave their child in a safe and secure environment. Typically developed siblings are welcome to participate at no charge. Parents and caregivers are invited to observe or can take the time for themselves. Each of the four (4) 30-minute SNACKtivities segments can include:
Music: old favorites, as well as songs written just for SNACK, focuses participants on playing instruments, group singing, following directions, enhancing gross motor skills through movement and increasing interpersonal skills.
Art: emphasizes collaborative theme-based projects, focuses participants on appropriate use of different media, hones fine motor skills, allowing children to take pride in the finished project.
Snack Time: focuses participants on use of language to request what they want, table manners, and waiting with patience. Dietary restrictions are honored.
Movement/Yoga:enhances gross and fine motor movement through fun media stretch bands scarves and balls.
Fun & Games: children play circle games, board games and ball games while learning to take turns, share and follow instructions.
Drama: promotes communication with peers through imaginative play.
August Holiday Program – SNACK is excited to offer a 3-week Holiday Program in August for children with special needs, when school is closed. Our fun-filled days are packed with activities and opportunities for socialization! Activities include music, art, drama, dance, movement and sports. Parents will supply lunch. Snacks will be provided and special diets will be honored.
Sample Daily Schedule:
9:00-10:00: Fun and Games
10:00-11:00: Music Activities
11:00-11:30: Lunch
11:30-12:30: Art Activities
12:30-1:30: Movement Activities/Yoga
1:30-2:00: Afternoon Snack
2:00-3:00: Sports
SWIM PROGRAM- SNACK Swim provides children with a safe and fun environment to learn to swim while being able to socialize with other children. We have a great facility all to ourselves at St. Bartholomew’s Church with a locker room, heated pool and gym. Bring a towel and swim diapers if necessary. We invite you to get into the swim of things and join us for FUN FUN FUN!
Private Swim Lessons: ensuring each child’s safety, our 30-minute one-on-one private swim lessons, will help children develop confidence in the water by learning proper swimming strokes, floating, and breathing techniques.
Sports Classes: designed to offer a unified learning experience, which engages the child’s mind and their bodies. SNACK sports classes can aid a child’s development in a myriad of ways, enhancing their interactive, language, social, competitive, and movement skills. Our 45-minute group sessions include sports, soccer and yoga, ensuring that children get the exercise they need while having fun. The ratio of students to staff is not more than 2:1, class size limit (maximum 8 per class); use of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to manage behavior and provide reinforcement, and our staff’s unique skill set, enables the children who participate to make progress.
SOCCER & SPORTS CLASSES- SNACK Soccer Classes introduce children with developmental disabilities to the great world of soccer. Our 45-minute soccer classes have a maximum of two children per instructor with no more than 8 per class and uses entertaining and easy- to-follow soccer drills to help children incorporate much-needed notions of structure and task completion into their lives.
Mini Holiday Program: WINTER Holiday Program – February 21-23, 2012 / SPRING Holiday Program – April 10-12, 2012
SNACK is excited to offer two 1-week Holiday Programs in February & April for children with special needs, when school is closed. Our fun-filled days are packed with activities and opportunities for socialization! The ratio of students to staff is not more than 2:1, class size limit (maximum 8 per class); and use of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to manage behavior and provide reinforcement, enables the children who participate to make progress.
Activities include music, art, drama, dance, movement and sports. Parents will supply lunch. Snacks will be provided and special diets will be honored.
Sample Daily Schedule:
9:00-10:00: Movement Activities/Yoga/Calisthenics
10:00-11:00: Music Activities
11:00-11:30: Lunch (Please pack a lunch)
11:30-12:30: Art Activities
12:30-1:30: Fun and Games
1:30-2:00: Afternoon Snack
2:00-3:00: Sports
Also includes field trips to Barnes & Noble and visits from Art Farm petting zoo.
Please visit our website or Contact us for more information:
SNACK Program Locations
Main Offices:
