Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El has an inclusion program that is loving and caring.  Our staff is professional and strives to support the full participation of children with special needs and their families in Jewish learning and community life. 

We proudly offer the inclusive Kulanu (All of Us) Program, serving students in Grades Pre-K - 12 who benefit from small class sizes and specialized resources in a Hebrew school environment.  Our Religious School accommodates a range of learning and social challenges such as language-based learning disabilities and ADHD. 

Since its launch, the Kulanu program has been accommodating the needs of a steadily growing number of students with a range of learning challenges. Because of the program’s highly inclusive and experiential design, all children look forward to participating in our program.

Kulanu students meet on Sundays from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and/or Wednesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m for Pre-K through Grade 6.  Children in grades 7-12 meet on Wednesdays for Chai School from 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.

A portion of the Religious School day is dedicated to learning in a small, supportive group setting featuring a low student-to-teacher ratio, a certified special education teacher and highly structured and experiential curriculum, all of which support students as they join in learning with their grade-level peers for the remainder of the Religious School period.  
Click here for our Kulanu specialist, Chaya Itzkowitz's bio.

Highlights of our Kulanu program

• Students’ goals, strengths, and needs are identified in collaboration between the educators, families and administrators in order to make curricular and placement decisions and ensure the successful social and academic integration of the students.
• Students receive a weekly combination of 30-45 minutes of intensive instruction in a small-group, supportive and inclusive environment featuring a low student-to-teacher ratio, a certified special education teacher and highly structured and experiential curriculum, all of which support students as they join in learning with their grade-level peers for the remainder of the religious school period.
• The curriculum for the special education classroom is designed in conjunction with the general education curriculum design so that students have stronger tools for full participation in the grade-wide learning and synagogue community.
• Lessons incorporate the students’ interests and strengths and utilize a variety of teaching strategies such as visual aids, individualized Hebrew instruction through games, songs, creative arts activities, peer-tutoring, and differentiated tutoring instruction, as well as hands-on practice of Jewish rituals and customs with movement, song and the like in order to create highly motivating learning experiences and to enhance social skills and independence utilizing multiple means of engagement.
• Lessons follow a consistent structure and format. Classroom rules, jobs and responsibilities are gradually introduced during the first few weeks of class.
• The parents, teacher and staff communicate through meetings & emails about progress & curriculum, etc. The main purpose of this communication is to encourage parents to review, reinforce and practice the learned material, rituals and customs taught during religious school and to facilitate the full integration of the students with special needs with their grade-level peers.

For more information please contact Rabbi Ilyse Glickman by clicking the button at the top of this page or call her at  (914) 725-5175

Result of Kulanu

The carefully designed learning environment and activities help the students stay on task and motivated to participate throughout the session. Through games, songs, and creative arts activities students with pronounced learning disabilities enjoy reading and writing in Hebrew. They interact joyfully with their peers, are engaged and eager to participate.