Duo Forms Social Club for Kids

Elementary school can be a awkward period in a child’s development.

For a shy student, the thought of communicating with peers can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Socializing can be even harder for students with developmental disabilities, who must learn skills that many people take for granted.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many places available for parents to go locally for help in dealing with these sensitive issues. But Katharine Page and Carmella Crowley, the founder of the Pelham-based Confident Kid Club, hope to fill that void for parents in the southern Westchester County.

The duo, who each 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education, formed the club as a way to help children ages 4-7 deal with any hurdles that may prevent them from  communicating with their peers.

“Carmella and I have are both involved with special education and pre-schools and we both have experience working with children in the community,” Page said. “I’ve coached soccer and I’ve been a recess volunteer. Because of this, we’ve seen the needs of the children who are dependent of the programs that we are involved with.”

Although there are similar programs in the region, Page and Crowley said they heard from parents that there was a need for a program in the southern part of the county that is easily accessible for people in Pelham, Bronxville, New Rochelle and surrounding areas.   

Crowley said the program isn’t just for children with developmental disabilities. She said the program is open to all children who suffer from anxiety or have trouble interpreting cue when in social situations.

“We are targeting children with language difficulties, short attention spans, low self esteem, kids who are impulsive and kids who have school anxiety,” Crowley said.

Crowley said children in the program will be involved in activities that teach them how to wait their turn, speak in front of groups, ask questions and read social cues. Crowley said the key is to build on the strengths that the students already have and encourage them to start friendships.

“We want children to be able to recognize the languages necessary for them to avoid rejection or further frustration.” Crowley said. “Some of these little guys just need a little more confidence and a strong foundation to be successful and happy.”

The program lasts from Oct. 19 - Dec. 21 and will take place at the Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham. The cost is $720 per child.
Additional information on registration and cost is available here.