Special Needs
The Shirley and Chester Paul Special Needs Program at Alper JCC Miami is a glimpse of warmth and inclusivity for children of all ages with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where children will not only develop essential life skills, but also cultivate lasting friendships and create beautiful memories.
In our program, inclusivity is the essence of what we do. We take pride in tailoring our activities to be developmentally appropriate, ensuring that everyone can actively participate and find their own path to personal growth. From thrilling outdoor games to swimming, cooking, and exciting field trips, we offer a wide array of experiences for everyone to enjoy!
At the heart of our program is the belief that everyone deserves a chance to experience joy and happiness in their lives. We call this spirit "Ruach," and we strive to infuse it into every aspect of our program. Through laughter, smiles, and shared experiences, we aim to cultivate a culture of joy that not only brightens the lives of our children but also enrich the lives of our dedicated staff and volunteers. We hope you will join us soon!
Tikvah Mini Camp & No School Holidays
We have limited spots available for our incredible Tikvah Special Needs program on all No School Holidays and Mini Camps.
Dates & Rates
Tikvah Member - $65/day
Tikvah Guest - $75/day
Team Tikvah
Through physical-based activities, we will help your children learn the skills needed to make friends, build relationships, and develop confidence.
As part of our inclusive and welcoming program, we will work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your child’s individual needs. So what are you waiting for? Join us and give your child the opportunity to have some fun while they learn!
Team Tikvah is a great way for children with special needs to develop important social skills to succeed in school, life, and their relationships. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us today.
Dates and Time
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Camp Tikvah at Camp J Miami
Camp Tikvah offers an exceptional camping experience with programs specifically designed for individuals who have either cognitive and/or physical disabilities. A stimulating environment with hands-on activities is created for each camper, with the goal of instilling confidence, developing social and life skills, increasing attention span, and improving fine and gross motor skills. Campers participate in general camp activities on an individual basis where appropriate. Yearly intake is required.
For more information, contact (305) 271-9000 ext. 264 or email rgaladza@alperjcc.org.
Interested in joining our Camp J Miami team?
Apply here to be a part of the best summer camp staff in Miami!
Inclusion Program
Camp J Miami and the JDays After School Program strives to create the most inclusive and supportive environment for children of all abilities. We enthusiastically welcome children and teens with developmental disabilities and/or physical challenges in all camp programs. Children in the inclusion program may have accommodations made and receive special assistance from a facilitator. All applicants must complete an individualized assessment to determine whether the program will meet the needs of each prospective camper.
For more information, please contact the Camp & Youth Office at (305) 271-9000 ext. 264 or rgaladza@alperjcc.org.
Resources
We strive to help our families find the best resources to help them meet the needs of their children and adults with special needs. Below you will find wonderful local resources to assist you with anything you may need. Also, remember we are here for you so feel free to reach out! We would be happy to assist you!
The Advocacy Network on Disabilities
Champions the rights of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities by promoting inclusion, providing services, and advancing systems change. http://www.advocacynetwork.org/
2-1-1 Helpline
By dialing 211, parents, caregivers, and adolescents are reaching trained Switchboard Counselors, available 24/7 every day, in English, Spanish, and Creole, with other languages available. The 2-1-1- Helpline is a source of information and resources for all health and human services in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Switchboard 211 is funded by The Children’s Trust. https://jcsfl.org/services/switchboard-211/
Miami Jewish Ability Alliance
The vision of the Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) is to promote an inclusive, spirited environment that celebrates the diversity in our community and the uniqueness of every member. This website serves as a user-friendly gateway to resources in the Jewish or general community for people with disabilities. The JAA is the Jewish community’s network that links individuals with disabilities, and their families, to resources, services, support groups, workshops and clinics, and recreational programs within their community. https://miami.jewishabilities.org
UM CARD - Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
Provide supports and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities. http://www.umcard.org/home/
The Children's Trust
The Children's Trust partners with the community to improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. The Children's Trust envisions a community that works together to provide the essential foundations to enable children to achieve their full potential. https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/parents/
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent of Miami is a Community Parent Resource Center serving parents of children with disabilities in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties and provides information, educational training and support to families who have children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs. http://www.ptopmiami.org/
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Have questions?
Please reach out to the Camp & Youth Office at (305) 271-9000 ext. 271 or youth@alperjcc.org.
The Shirley and Chester Paul Special Needs Program at Alper JCC Miami offers a fun, stimulating, and dynamic program for children, teens, and adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Programs include a fully inclusive Summer Camp, Winter Mini-Camp, Spring Mini-Camp, and No-School Holidays.
Our program is structured to instill confidence, develop social and life skills, increase attention span, and improve fine and gross motor abilities. In addition, everyone participates in a variety of activities including indoor/outdoor games, swimming, cooking, field trips & more.