The Jesse J. Kaplan School - West Nyack

The Jesse J. Kaplan School is a Rockland BOCES special-education school in West Nyack for students ages 5 to 22 with autism, cognitive disabilities, medical fragility, or multiple disabilities. Its center-based program combines academic instruction with nursing services, speech and occupational therapy, art, music, physical education, and swimming.

The VISTA program uses visual instruction and structured teaching for students with autism and learning challenges. It emphasizes functional communication, individualized workstations, daily schedules, and skill-building for independence. The Social Communication and TEAMS programs support students with medical, cognitive, or multiple disabilities through communication, self-regulation, academics, and practical daily-living instruction. The school also offers parent support, training groups, and transition meetings.