Advancing Jewish Learning in Special Education

Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education's Opening the Doors Special Education Partnership Program provides an opportunity for children with learning disabilities and other special learning needs to receive a quality Jewish education.

What is Opening the Doors? It's An Opportunity!

Opening the Doors is a nationally-recognized one of-of-a-kind program, serving 700 children each year. The program has been evaluated nationally by JESNA and has received the highest rating for quality services. Opening the Doors Special Education Partnership Program provides an opportunity for children with Learning Disabilities and other special learning needs to receive a quality Jewish education, through support in Jewish schools throughout the Metro Detroit community.

What does it do?

The program is designed to "open the doors of opportunity" for Jewish children with Learning Disabilities within the Jewish school environment.

How does it work? It's A Partnership!

The program works through partnerships with Jewish schools, serving children across all ages and denominations. Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education places a special education teacher in each school to directly teach the children with special needs and/or consult with classroom teacher to help the teacher facilitate the child's learning environment. Each child is assessed and receives specialized services that help them succeed. It is coordinated by Ellen Maiseloff, Associate Director, Special Education, and Helene Kohn, Program Assistant, under the direction of Rabbi Judah Isaacs, Director.

How is it funded? By Your Campaign Dollars!

Funding is allocated from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit to cover the cost of the special education teachers in partnership with the schools.

How is the program unique?

There are 18 special education teachers with Masters' Degrees or certification in special or related fields. With its highly qualified staff of professionals on site, each school utilizes our special education teacher to work within the guidelines of its specific needs and philosophy.

What additional services are provided?

We provide professional development opportunities such as Day School Conference and a Family Circle community program to encourage and enhance the skills of our teachers. Our staff stays up-to-date by meeting quarterly with a network of special education teachers. We provide a myriad of resources as well as workshops and disabilities awareness projects. We participate in the annual Colloquium for Special Educators in Central Agencies Consortium.

What is Doors to the Future? It's An Early Intervention Program!

Doors to the Future is a program providing individualized intervention on a temporary basis (3-8 weeks) to children in seven early childhood partnership schools. Over 20 preschool children are served each year by our three Para-educators, who are trained at the Oakland Schools Para-educator certification program. Our program relies on scientific research that demonstrates that by intervening early and strongly, we can reduce behavioral, social and learning difficulties and help prevent preschool expulsion. Our Para-educators are supervised by coordinator, Helene Weiss Kohn. Doors to the Future is funded by a two-year grant from the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Foundation.

Efshar Sunday School

The Efshar program continues to meet the needs of children with more complex needs. Individualized and multi-sensory instruction reflecting the needs of learning, development and behavioral challenges contribute to a meaningful Judaic curriculum. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, music, crafts, drama, holiday celebrations, field trips and family programs are integral components of the Efshar program. This program is directed by Robyn Glickman.

Day School Conference

An annual day of professional development for our 5 Jewish Day Schools.

Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference

The Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference is an annual community-wide seminar for parents, educators, school directors, clergy and other professionals.

For more information,
Ellen Maiseloff
Associate Director, Special Education
(248)205-2533