Preschool

Programs for children 3 to 5 years old.

Our New Discoveries Learning Center works with families to provide exceptional preschool education services for their child.  Located in both Utica and Rome, children follow a structured routine that guides their daily activities and helps to prepare them for Kindergarten. Classrooms focus on giving children an understanding of the world through their hands-on experiences with people, materials, and ideas, encouraging them to think, imagine and problem-solve.  Preschoolers with identified disabilities learn side-by-side in an inclusive environment with their typically developing peers.  These early interactions are of great benefit to all children.

Master’s level teachers and caregivers have backgrounds and training in early childhood education and special education as well as experience working with preschoolers. Children who require therapy can receive those interventions while in the preschool program. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can all be provided at each site.

Families are encouraged to visit the program at any time with no appointment necessary. Many stop in for a visit, share lunch, or to have fun at playtime.

For more information about the Preschool program at Upstate Caring Partners, please contact us at (315) 797-4080 ext. 2321 

Tradewinds Education Center

The Tradewinds Education Center is committed to providing excellence in education to children between the ages of 5 and 21 who have been diagnosed with severe behavioral and/or developmental disabilities.

The Tradewinds Education Center is a private school approved by the New York State Education Department. The primary goal of our education program is for students to develop skills that will facilitate their return to a more independent environment.

A primary emphasis of the Tradewinds program is to provide a therapeutic environment for children, supporting the development of social skills and communication. Using a comprehensive approach with each child, the education, clinical, and residential staff, in conjunction with families, develop and implement goals and objectives focused on the overall development of each student, providing a supportive, positive environment for all students to learn and grow.

Many of our children explore different careers through our vocational program, which includes vocational assessment and simulated work situations with employers in the community. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum, instruction, on-site vocational training, and community-based simulated job experiences geared to prepare students for employment and independent living.

Students also participate in art, adaptive physical education, music therapy, and occupational education. Other services for students at the Tradewinds Education Center include speech, occupational and physical therapies, psychological services, and counseling.

Our education program provides a learning environment that helps each student to be successful and to reach their full potential. Our state-of-the-art learning centers include classrooms, a gymnasium, outdoor recreation areas, a library, a music room, and a cafeteria, much like any other school. We also host annual prom and graduation ceremonies which provides opportunities for students to come together to celebrate these special occasions.  We employ master’s level specialists in the field of developmental disabilities as well as special education teachers, aides, counselors, therapists, nurses, psychologists, and administrators.

Tradewinds Education Center Locations:

Utica Campus
1601 Armory Drive, Bldg. B
Utica, New York 13501
(315) 798-4006 Ext. 2828
Fax: (315) 797-7013

Rome Campus
130 Brookley Road
Rome, New York 13441
(315) 533-1150 Ext. 2518
Fax: (315) 533-1173

Chadwicks Campus
3390 Brooks Lane
Chadwicks, NY 13319
(315) 737-9012 ext. 2641
Fax: (315) 737-9017

Referral & Admission

All student referrals to the Tradewinds Education Center must be made through the Chairperson of Special Education of your public school district.  If you are interested in touring our school program or residences, please contact us at (315) 798-4006.

To discuss a child’s unique needs with our staff or to find out if they are eligible for services us at (315) 533-1150 ext. 2517

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