Summer Matters - Valley Forge Educational Services

• Overview
• Approach
• Executive Function
• Programs/Daily Schedule
• Registration

The Summer Voyagers Approach

Summer Voyagers combines intensive, small group academic instruction in reading, math, language arts and written expression with social and recreational opportunities and executive function skill-building.

• Our dynamic teaching team includes experienced reading specialists, elementary and special education teachers.
• Integrated therapeutic services (speech-language and occupational therapy) facilitate classroom learning and empower students to seek support where and when they need it

A speech and language therapist provides support in the classroom in listening comprehension, expression and using language for positive social interactions.

An occupational therapist collaborates with classroom teachers to support students with sensory, motor and visual challenges that may interfere with attention, regulation, handwriting, reading and copying, fine motor and organization/planning.

• Each day begins with short movement activities incorporating yoga and self-regulation strategies to help students become focused and alert for classroom learning
• Students receive explicit instruction in learning strategies – the study skills, organization and planning skills so critical to school success

A Partnership with Parents

We recognize the importance of parents’ role in their children’s education. Parents are invited to visit our classrooms three times over the course of the session (2x for the 4-week session). These opportunities give parents a chance to see our strategies in action so they can be carried over at home.

Our Team

The Summer Voyagers program was developed by Holly Zipperer and Nancy Allard. The Summer Voyagers team includes an occupational therapist, speech-language therapist, reading specialist and elementary and special education teachers.

Holly Zipperer, M.Ed.
Ms. Zipperer is the Director of Summer Programs and Ancillary Services at Valley Forge Educational Services. In addition to the operations of Summer Voyagers, Summer L.I.F.E. and Extended School Year Programs, she also plans and manages respite programs operating when regular school is not in session. Ms. Zipperer has 20 years of work experience in the field of education. From 2002-2007, she was a special education teacher, High/Scope curriculum mentor, and early intervention manager for KenCrest Services’ Artman Child Development Center. From 2001-2002, she worked with other education professionals in Elwyn’s Early Childhood Services division to develop the Archworks Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Nancy Allard, M.A., OTR/L
Ms. Allard is Director of The Luma Center™ for Development and Learning, a program of VFES. She has worked with families in medical, educational, and private practice settings for over twenty-nine years. She has specialized training and extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of children who have Sensory Processing Disorders. She is a member of the Department of Occupational Therapy Advisory Board at the University of the Sciences, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, and the Delaware Valley Association of Early Childhood Education.