First Foot Forward earns autism center certification

The JCC of Staten Island’s First Foot Forward has received IBCCES’s Certified Autism Center designation, marking a new step in its efforts to support young children with developmental, sensory and communication needs. The certification follows autism and sensory training for most front-facing staff and an onsite accessibility review that produced recommendations for improvements.

Why it matters: - The Certified Autism Center™ designation signals that First Foot Forward has added formal training and accessibility review to better serve children with autism and sensory needs. - The certification is meant to improve the early learning experience for children ages 2.9 and older and support families who need specialized educational services. - The designation also connects First Foot Forward to IBCCES resources that can help families find certified and sensory-inclusive spaces.

What happened: - IBCCES awarded the Certified Autism Center™ designation to the JCC of Staten Island’s First Foot Forward. - At least 80% of front-facing staff completed autism and sensory training as part of the certification process. - IBCCES conducted an onsite review of First Foot Forward and recommended accessibility improvements, including sensory guides and other support resources. - First Foot Forward serves children ages 2.9 and older through evaluations, therapy and enrichment programs.

The details: - First Foot Forward offers special education classrooms with 8:1:2 and 12:1:2 ratios across all sites. - The program also includes integrated classroom opportunities at two locations. - Children participate in weekly enrichment and therapeutic activities, including music and movement, sensory-motor groups and language-based lessons. - Extended-day programming includes dance, art, handwriting support, literacy, sports and recreation. - The wider JCC of Staten Island community center also offers afterschool services, social and recreational programs, community resources and adult services for individuals with disabilities. - The center runs an inclusive summer camp for children of all abilities. - The JCC says these programs create a continuum of educational, developmental, recreational and community-based support for children and families.

Between the lines: - The certification reflects a broader push in education and youth services to make autism and sensory accommodations part of standard operations, not an add-on. - For schools and early learning programs, staff training can shape classroom communication, sensory supports and peer interactions. - IBCCES is using the certification to build a network of accessible destinations and services that families can identify quickly. - The IBCCES Accessibility App is free to download and lists certified destinations and sensory-inclusive spaces. - AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com also list certified locations and professionals.

What's next: - First Foot Forward is expected to use IBCCES recommendations to expand accessibility tools and supports for children and families. - The JCC of Staten Island can now point families to IBCCES-certified resources in person and through digital tools. - The certification may help the program further position itself as a specialized option for children who need developmental and sensory support.

The bottom line: - First Foot Forward now has an autism-focused credential that pairs staff training with accessibility review, aiming to make its early learning environment more inclusive and responsive.