P'Tach

In the late 1970's, a number of families in the Chicago area faced the distressing dilemma of providing the proper education for their special needs children in a religious environment. As these children progressed toward the crucial middle grades, they were caught in a web of failure because the existing Jewish educational system was not equipped to deal with their special needs.

To these families, the public school system was not an option for their strong religious conviction; their needs could only be met within a Jewish Day School setting. Together with the Associated Talmud Torahs, they founded the Chicago P'Tach -- Parents for Torah for All Children.

P’Tach goals are:

• To provide a well-rounded and supportive environment for children exhibiting learning disabilities
• To provide those children with a Jewish education in a thoroughly Jewish atmosphere, which is sensitive to their needs on a individual basis
• To integrate these children with their peers in the hopes that they will be totally mainstreamed within a Day School setting.

From that grassroots beginning, P'Tach has blossomed into a full service program providing a quality secular education and Jewish education for many students in two locations, Arie Crown Hebrew Day School and Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov, while addressing special educational needs, styles and goals.

Despite the limited space and increasing demand for special education placement, P'tach teachers have a wide range of educational equipment available to maximize each student's learning. In addition, the program is complete with a newly advanced computer system, a growing library, games, puzzles and manipulatives to enhance the learning environment. The teachers work with the students individually to maximize their academic and social potential.

For additional information, please contact the ATT at 773-973-2828.