OROT (which means “lights” in Hebrew) is a community-sponsored organization that supports special needs education within the Jewish day schools of greater Philadelphia. OROT is for children whose needs cannot be met by typical learning support programs. Each OROT class provides an academic self-contained and social inclusion curriculum. Each student receives an individualized curriculum prepared jointly by OROT and Perelman Jewish Day School staff. OROT teachers forge bonds with mainstream teachers to help maximize the potential of each OROT student.

In OROT, a child’s success is measured by the goals reached and maintained for each individual learning style. Whenever possible, the OROT teacher incorporates mainstream topics into the lesson so the OROT child feels included and can display her work with the mainstream class. OROT classes for younger children concentrate on reading, writing, math, listening skills and organizational skills. A modified Judaic curriculum is given to all students.

OROT serves children in kindergarten through 8th grade with a variety of learning challenges, with diagnoses including learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and behavioral disorders. OROT operates across denominational lines.

Additional information on the OROT Program can be obtained from Beverly Bernstein, OROT Educational Director, 215-935-0020.

Visit OROT’s website.