Giving Every Child A Voice.
Unlocking the potential of every student through
innovative educational programs, specialized therapies, and a
commitment to communication development
Why Parents Choose Tiegerman
Language Rich
Learning
Non-Public
NYS Approved
Personalized Learning and Tailored Instruction
Educating Beyond
Academics
Empowering Adult Independence
Celebrate 40 Years of Changing Lives!
Join us for the Tiegerman 40th Anniversary Gala — an unforgettable evening honoring four decades of dedication to education, advocacy, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Let’s come together to celebrate our past, embrace our present, and invest in the future of the Tiegerman community. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now!
Where moments shine!
Where Communication Transforms Lives
At Tiegerman, we are dedicated to unlocking the potential of every student through innovative educational programs, specialized therapies, and a commitment to communication development. Our mission is to empower children and young adults with language and learning differences to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Tiegerman is a family of non-public, state approved schools and community services providing residential, vocational, day rehabilitation, and residential facilities, has been a beacon of hope for individuals with special needs and their families.
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Ellenmorris Tiegerman, Tiegerman has helped countless children and adults with developmental disabilities and language-based learning challenges find their voices, build their confidence, and lead fulfilling lives. As Tiegerman marks its 40th anniversary, it’s not just celebrating years—it’s celebrating lives transformed, dreams realized, and a future filled with promise.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Dr. Tiegerman’s journey started with a simple yet powerful idea: everyone deserves to be heard. After watching her sister suffer an injury and lose her ability to speak, Dr. Tiegerman saw firsthand how communication barriers held people back—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Watching her parents work tirelessly to help her sister communicate and learn, sparked her mission to create a place where language and learning could flourish together.
What began as the School for Language and Communication Development (SLCD), a small preschool program of 36 children focused on speech-language therapy in 1985, has grown into a comprehensive agency supporting over 700 students and adults, annually. Today, Tiegerman’s reach extends from preschool through adulthood.
Learn More About Our Schools & Programs
Pre-K
Tiegerman's Preschool Program provides language-based learning to build a strong foundation for children’s educational and social development. Language is the key skill needed before entering elementary school, and our 12-month curriculum aligns with New York State Learning Standards to ensure meaningful, engaging experiences. Teachers design theme-based lessons that develop critical language and academic skills, tailoring activities to each child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). With a focus on language immersion, our program prepares students for success in elementary school. Tiegerman Preschool is offered in Glen Cove, Woodside, Far Rockaway, and Franklin Square.
Elementary School
At Tiegerman's Elementary Schools, we believe language is the foundation of learning. Our language immersion program supports students with language and autism spectrum disorders, helping them build essential skills for academic and social success. Serving kindergarten through sixth grade, we welcome students with speech, language, and developmental challenges through personalized learning plans created by educators and therapists. Aligned with New York State Learning Standards, our Tiegerman Extraordinary Language & Literacy (TELL) program provides daily instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, integrating phonics, literature, and Fast ForWord for auditory processing support. We also emphasize social skills, using interactive lessons, role-playing, and technology, including Promethean boards and iPads, to enhance learning and engagement.
Middle School
Tiegerman's Middle Schools, located in Glen Cove and Woodside, support students in grades 7–9, fostering both academic and personal growth through individualized learning. Our comprehensive curriculum, aligned with New York State Learning Standards, ensures students receive high-quality, tailored education. Our team of educators and therapists collaborates to develop personalized learning plans, promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development. We offer group and individual counseling to support students' emotional well-being. Technology enhances learning, with modern tools creating interactive classrooms. Additionally, vocational partnerships with Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger provide real-world experiences, helping students build life skills and transition confidently into adulthood.
High School
At Tiegerman's High School, with campuses in Woodside and Richmond Hill, we empower students in grades 9 –12 to reach their full potential. Our comprehensive program combines academic excellence and life skills, ensuring students are prepared for college, careers, and independence. Aligned with New York State Learning Standards, we offer four vocational pathways: Computer Arts Technology, Business and Office Technology, Retail Marketing, and Family and Consumer Science. These hands-on programs build digital literacy, administrative, sales, and financial skills. Beyond academics, we provide speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. Family involvement is key, with regular parent training sessions fostering a strong support system.
Day Hab and Supported Employment (TCS)
Tiegerman Community Services (TCS) empowers adults with developmental disabilities to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Serving Queens, Suffolk, and Nassau Counties, we provide programs that build life skills, community connections, and independence. Our Day Habilitation Programs, including site-based and Programs Without Walls (PWW), focus on communication, socialization, and daily living skills through music therapy, computer skills, and community outings in Westbury, Richmond Hill, and Bethpage. Through Supported Employment (SEMP), we offer vocational training, job placement, coaching, and travel training. Our Community Habilitation program helps individuals develop independent living skills, supporting self-sufficiency at every step.
Residential Programs (TCS)
Tiegerman’s Residential Services provide safe, supportive homes for adults with developmental disabilities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our 24/7 care and supervision ensure residents receive personalized support tailored to their needs. Each residence fosters independence, social engagement, and life skills in a home-like setting. Our trained staff assists with meal preparation, medication management, personal care, and community integration, empowering residents to build confidence. We prioritize choice and dignity, encouraging residents to actively participate in daily routines and decision-making. With family involvement, recreational activities, and vocational training, Tiegerman helps individuals lead enriched, independent lives within their communities.
A Language-Based Approach to Lifelong Success
Contact us today and give your child the education they deserve
- Future-Ready Education
- Empowering Communication
- Trained Educators and Therapists
Tiegerman is an approved NYS Non-Public School for grades Pre-K to 12th
Tiegerman News
Long Island Change Makers with Tommy D.
Dr. Tiegerman and Dr. Radziewicz sat down with Tommy Dimisa for a lively discussion about special needs education.
Tiegerman School celebrates 40 years of helping kids and adults with developmental disabilities
Thank you Barbara Russo-Lennon and @AM NY Metro for covering Tiegerman’s 40th anniversary! Click here to read the article.
TIEGERMAN SCHOOL AT WOODSIDE CAREER DAY 2025
Calling All Professionals!Tiegerman School at Woodside is hosting Career Day 2025 on Friday, May 16th — and we need YOU! Do you have a cool job or career journey to share with our students? Come inspire the next generation and show them what’s possible 🕘 Event starts at 9:00 AM 🥯 Bagel breakfast for speakers
Celebrate 40 Years of Changing Lives!
Join us for the Tiegerman 40th Anniversary Gala — an unforgettable evening honoring four decades of dedication to education, advocacy, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Let’s come together to celebrate our past, embrace our present, and invest in the future of the Tiegerman community. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now!
PVH Register Campaign
PVH, parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has supported Tiegerman for over 10 years, providing invaluable training for our middle and high school students. Thanks to this program, they gain essential workplace skills and confidence. Last December, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger stores nationwide raised nearly $60,000 through a register campaign—an incredible show
Calling All Professionals! Join Us for Career Day on Friday, March 28th! 🌟
We are excited to host Career Day and are actively seeking guest speakers to inspire and guide our students. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise and help prepare the next generation for the workforce. How You Can Participate:💼 Guest Speaker Sessions:Share insights about your career in 15-minute sessions as students rotate and
This Is Queensborough Magazine: January 2025 Edition
In the January Edition of This Is Queensborough Magazine, Irene Scalfani, Director of Development wrote this article about Tiegerman’s 40th Anniversary. This Is Queensborough Magazine is mailed to 2,500+ members of The Queens Chamber of Commerce. The glossy magazine is published by BQE Media. Read the digital PDF here.