Crafting Connections is an after-school program dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity, creativity, and friendship. We provide a warm and welcoming environment where neurodivergent children, ages 5-7 years old can express themselves at the craft table. Our class offers weekly opportunities for the participants to work on the social skills and self regulating practices that will enable them to build meaningful connections with their peers.
Our mission is to empower every child to shine in their unique way while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Crafting as Connection
Participants engage in collaborative art projects, literally "crafting connections" with their peers. This hands-on approach fosters relationships, conversation and builds a sense of community. Our focus is on the creative process rather than techniques or finished products, allowing children to explore their creativity and express themselves freely.
Small Groups, Big Impact
Our small group size and high professional adult to child ratio allows us to scaffold and support each participant, helping them to feel successful, calm and confident in a group learning setting.
Inclusivity and Collaboration
We celebrate each child's developmental, social and creative growth, ensuring that every participant feels accepted and valued within the group. The program encourages teamwork and communication, helping children organically develop social skills while supporting one another in a fun environment.
Communicating with your child's School and Multidisciplinary team
Taking the time to get to know each child informs our work and allows us to be purposeful in the lessons that we develop and crafts that we teach. Conversations with parents, teachers and therapists enables us to generalize or reinforce the skills that the children are working on. We welcome feedback and updates and are happy to be a part of your child’s care team.
Building Lasting Friendships
Friendships and play begin at the craft table, extend into dismissal and often lead to playdates outside of the group.
Rhythm and Routine
We incorporate big body movement activities and circle time gatherings to help engage and organize the children. Each activity is thoughtfully curated to encourage participation, problem solving, enjoyment and connection to the group's creative flow.
A typical afternoon with us includes:
Welcome and Playtime
Circle time
Big Body Movement
Crafts
Classes will take place at the Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine ACT Program, 1047 Amsterdam Ave New York.
For more information about our program, schedule an intake or learn about our virtual parent support group, please reach out.
