At Bellefaire JCB, we understand the importance of early support and intervention. Our dedicated team is committed to helping children thrive socially and emotionally. For more than 25 years, Bellefaire JCB has placed licensed, culturally sensitive therapists in Greater Cleveland’s Jewish Day Schools to ensure that the social and emotional needs of youth, their families, and the staff are met. This is Shirla's story, a young student whose life was transformed with the help of our Jewish Day School counselors.
One year ago, Bellefaire JCB’s Jewish Day School counselors began working with Shirla, a kindergarten student at an Orthodox Jewish school. Shira had difficulty socializing and was often secluded, playing alone during recess.
In addition, Shirla faced challenges with toileting both at school and at home. Recognizing her needs, Bellefaire’s therapist began meeting with Shirla weekly, focusing on social and communication skills. The therapist also collaborated with Shirla’s mother, offering strategies to improve toileting and providing support and resources to reinforce skills for social interactions.
Shirla’s time with her school-based therapist helped her learn critical skills and tools that were developmentally appropriate for her age and her life began to change. Her therapist recommended additional counseling to reinforce her progress, and Shirla started seeing an outpatient therapist at Bellefaire JCB. With comprehensive support and thoughtful dialogue with Bellefaire staff, Shirla’s parents were able to determine that repeating kindergarten would be beneficial for her development.
This school year, Shirla is thriving. She has formed meaningful friendships, interacts appropriately with her peers, and no longer has toileting accidents. Having graduated from therapy, Shirla continues to flourish both at school and at home.
Shirla’s journey highlights the profound impact of early intervention and dedicated support, as well as family engagement and wrap-around services for students. At Bellefaire JCB, we are proud to help children like Shirla and their families in our community’s Jewish Day Schools and public schools identify resources, support, and solutions. Your generosity enables us to continue providing these essential services.
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