G&D's Group Developmental Model 

Group developmental intervention services are intended to provide early learning experiences that support children's cognitive, communication, social-emotional, physical, and adaptive development for eligible children whose IFSP team has determined that a group setting is needed to meet the unique needs of the child and family and achieve measurable outcomes identified in the child's and family's IFSP.

This program is offered as part of our early intervention program and is not available to all children.

Our Group Developmental Model (GDM) intervention services provide early learning experiences that support special needs children with their development in the following areas: 

  • Cognitive 

  • Communication 

  • Social-Emotional 

  • Physical

  • Adaptive

G&D’s Group Developmental Model offers measurable outcomes and a supportive, engaging environment where children can thrive.

G&D co-founder engaging with a young child in therapeutic play as part of the group developmental model for early learning.
Two preschoolers exploring toys together during a small group activity at G&D Schoolhouse’s developmental playroom.

GDM Intervention Program Overview

Our Group Developmental Model offers a wide range of opportunities for children to develop essential skills through structured group activities. 

Structure of Program

  • There are two group sessions daily:

    • Morning group runs from 8:30-11:30

    • Afternoon group runs from 12:30-3:30

Group sessions run for three hours to allow the child to participate in structured learning for one hour, receive related services (ST, OT, PT) for 30 minutes, and 30 minutes of outdoor/indoor play.

Eligible children can attend Monday through Friday up to five days a week.

The number of group sessions each week is determined by your child's IFSP team and is based on the child's demonstrated needs.

Here’s how we support your child’s growth:

  • Children practice social and communication skills through group activities, learning to interact with peers in a supportive and structured environment.

  • Our team of skilled paraprofessionals creates a nurturing atmosphere where children feel encouraged and understood, helping them build confidence in their abilities.

  • The program is designed to help children practice functional skills they can use in everyday life, from communication to behavior, all in a group setting where they can take these skills into other environments.

  • Children rotate through different educational areas within the classroom, focusing on specific skills such as language, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, sensory, adaptive skills, and parallel or pretend play.

What Makes Our Program Different

Our Group Developmental Model goes beyond standard care by offering a comprehensive, hands-on approach to child development. 

In our program, we believe in:

Collaborative Approach with Families

Family involvement is essential to a child’s progress.

That’s why we encourage open communication between parents, caregivers, therapists, and teachers.

You’ll have opportunities to connect with your child’s service providers during drop-off and pick-up, ensuring you’re always in the loop on your child’s progress.

Toddler playing with a rainbow-colored xylophone, exploring music and sensory development during group programming.
Child enjoying sensory swing therapy with adult support in a padded room at G&D Schoolhouse’s developmental model program.

Access to Therapeutic Services

Our on-staff therapists are immersed within our program to provide the children and families with the support they need.

Parental Engagement Opportunities

We believe in building a community of support for the child and the entire family.

Parents are invited to participate in engagement days to observe their child’s development firsthand and gain valuable insights into their child’s learning experience.

ProCare App for Communication

To make communication as easy and transparent as possible, we use the ProCare app.

This tool allows parents to stay in touch with therapists and teachers, track progress, and receive updates on their child’s day, all in real time.

Early Intervention with Strategy & Cooperation

Early intervention is critical to helping children with developmental delay challenges reach their full potential. 

We offer a continuity of care that helps children build a strong foundation for future success.

This, along with our other early intervention services and our team’s expertise and dedication, helps children develop in many ways, preparing them for future life and academic success.

One of our primary goals is to ensure that the progress made in our program goes beyond the classroom and into your home, creating a consistent and supportive learning environment for your child. 

The collaborative and supportive relationship between parents, caregivers, and our team of professionals is vital to making this possible. 

We offer a continuity of care that helps children build a strong foundation for future success.

This, along with our other early intervention services and our team’s expertise and dedication, helps children develop in many ways, preparing them for future life and academic success.

Group of preschoolers participating in sensory water play, exploring textures and toys together at G&D Therapy Services.
Group of young children engaging in bubble play with a teacher during a developmental group activity at G&D Therapy Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions we receive from parents and caregivers like you. If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please contact us.

  • Group Developmental Model intervention services are offered at our G&D Early Learning Center:

    5 Triangle Road
    Suite A
    Liberty, NY 12754

  • The Group Developmental Model (GDM) is an Early Intervention service for children who are found eligible through the Early Intervention Program.

    Eligibility should be discussed with your Early Intervention Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC) or during your child's next IFSP meeting.

  • Classrooms are divided into specific educational areas, including language, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, sensory, adaptive skills, and parallel and pretend play. 

    The children who are participating in each session are broken into groups of 1-3, depending on their ability to engage with others and maintain attention. 

    During the session, children will rotate through different areas of the room to engage in structured activities.

  • Our sessions are offered twice a day, Monday through Friday.

    Our morning group runs from 8:30-11:30am, and our afternoon group runs from 12:30-3:30pm. 

    Typically, children attend 3-5 of these three-hour sessions per week, depending on their IFSP. 

  • The GDM schedule does allow for snack time, as eating with peers provides children with an opportunity to work on structured routines and adaptive skills that are essential to their growth.

    We ask that you send in preferred snack and drink items daily.

    The program keeps simple snacks such as crackers and goldfish available, if needed.

  • Your child will need diapers, wipes, and a set of clean clothing, along with preferred snack and drink items.