Gateways helps families recognize that some Jewish day school students need extra support in order to succeed and remain in their school environment. Gateways provides on-site special education services that go beyond what the students’ schools offer. Children in participating schools receive in-class and out of class assistance from team members including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and reading and learning specialists. Gateways works with students, teachers and school special education staff to help students generalize developmental, academic and social skills and strategies to the classroom. In addition, the therapists assist teachers with curriculum modifications and provide teachers with professional development, including weekly coaching.

Gateways provides a Jewish education to children who are not able to receive one in a typical classroom setting. The experienced multi-disciplinary team of educators and trained volunteers ensures that children with moderate to severe disabilities - such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing and visual impairment, developmental delay, cerebral palsy and genetic disorders - can have access to a Jewish education and participate in the Jewish community. Gateways works with each child at his or her level, using methods that are appropriate for the child’s learning style and ability. Working in both group settings and one-on-one ensures the best educational experience for each child. Classes are held in Newton, Massachusetts.

In May, 2009, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies announced they would cease funding the Bureau of Jewish Education. Gateways has taken on the expanded role of consultation and support to both synagogue and independent Hebrew schools, and Jewish preschools. We want to reassure the community that this is a natural expansion of our work and we are ready to build upon the many accomplishments of the BJE’s Special Education Services.