The Nest Support Project is a specialized program that serves autistic students in our community school. As a partnership between New York City Department of Education (DOE) and New York University's NEST Support Project, the program aims to strengthen the academic, social, and emotional skills of its students, in an environment that embraces and celebrates our inherent neurodiversity.
NEST Support Project at P.S. 297
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Each of our NEST classrooms is staffed by two teachers trained in a wide range of strategies for supporting autistic and allistic students -- including NYU's Social Development Intervention (SDI). In addition to the standard academic curriculum, NEST students receive special instruction in areas like relationship development, adaptive skills, language and communication development, and sensory/motor development.
The class structure is a small Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) class, with one special education teacher and one general education teacher supporting each student’s learning and growth. There is no classroom paraprofessional or one-to-to one paraprofessional in the NEST model classroom.
At PS 297, we value the diverse interests, passions, and strengths of each of our students. And we work every day to create a safe, supportive environment where students can grow, explore, and develop the skills for a happy and self-determined life.
Wide-use of visual aids support each of our
students and helps to accentuate their strengths.
Our calming corners and cozy libraries create the perfect environment for our students.