NYCPS Autism Nest Program

The NYCPS Specialized Programs in District Schools page states the following:

Autism Spectrum Disorders Programs

The Autism Nest Program and Autism Horizon programs are specialized programs that serve some autistic learners. They are available in some District 1-32 schools. The program is a partnership between the NYCPS and New York University’s (NYU) Nest Support Project.

Each program works to strengthen academic and social skills, but they have different eligibility criteria and serve students in different types of classes.

Nest Program Features

Class Structure

The program serves autistic learners in a classroom with general education students. The class is a small Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) class, with one special education teacher and one general education teacher. As students get older, the class size increases. There is no classroom paraprofessional.

Curriculum and Instruction

Classes follow the New York State Learning Standards and the same curriculum used in all DOE schools. Nest teachers are trained in specialized teaching strategies for students with autism, including a special social curriculum called Social Development Intervention (SDI) developed by NYU. SDI is an evidence-based program that supports social-emotional development.

Social-Emotional Supports

Related service providers use SDI to help students improve social functioning. This social language curriculum is taught in small groups.