A clinical program. An after-school schedule.
The Three Program Components
Three pillars working together every session — clinical instruction, consistent mentorship, and real-world practice.
EF Instruction
A licensed Occupational Therapist delivers structured, evidence-based instruction in the five executive functioning domains.
No other after-school program provides this.
Dedicated Mentorship
Every student is paired with a dedicated mentor who attends every session — the consistent adult who shows up, every time.
The single greatest predictor of student success.
Applied Skill Practice
Students immediately apply EF strategies to their actual homework. Staff coach the process — never the content.
Students leave with work done and skills that stick.
Program Schedule At a Glance
A clinical program built around your school's after-school window.
60 sessions over 20 weeks
2–3 sessions per week · 2.5 hours per session. A full clinical dose, scheduled inside your existing after-school window.
All sessions end by 5:00 PM
Parent pickup only. Our Supervisor manages every dismissal — start to finish.
One consistent room
A classroom, library, or cafeteria section. We set up and clean up every session.
Up to 20 students
Carefully selected with your counselors and teaching staff.
The On-Site Team
The right people in the room every single session.
Licensed Occupational Therapist
Leads all EF instruction. Conducts student intake screenings. Delivers clinical-grade intervention every session.
Program Mentor (1–2)
Assigned to specific students. Provides real-time behavioral coaching, motivation, and the consistent adult relationship that drives long-term change.
Program Supervisor
Your single point of contact. Manages dismissal, attendance, compliance documentation, and the monthly principal report.
How Students Are Identified
A four-step intake — built so every seat is filled by a student who will benefit most.
Refer a StudentReferral
Teachers and counselors identify students showing EF challenges.
OT Intake Screening
A licensed OT screens each student to confirm program fit.
Parent Consent
Written parent consent — fully voluntary, never a consequence.
Cohort Launch
Up to 20 students begin. Same experience for every seat.
How It Gets Funded
The most common question we hear: "Who pays for this?" The answer: your school is not the sole funder. Focus Forward uses a three-source funding model that combines your school's existing Title I allocation with external grants and private foundation support.
Title I Allocation
Federal funds already in your budget — redirected toward one of the highest-impact uses available.
External Grants
City Council discretionary funding, DYCD, and state learning programs — we pursue these independently.
Foundation Funding
Private foundations and nonprofit partners who support youth development on Staten Island.
Documentation & Title I Compliance
Every session is fully documented — attendance, student progress, and outcomes — aligned to Title I auditing standards. A written progress report is delivered to the principal on the first of every month. No additional paperwork for your staff. We handle it all.