09/04/2026
Helping Every Student Succeed in the Classroom
For Eli*, school wasn’t always a place where he felt successful. As a kindergartener at Yeshiva Derech HaTorah (YDT), he wanted to learn and cared about doing well, but significant speech and language challenges, difficulty focusing and self-regulating, and academic delays made each day a struggle.
By mid-year, his teachers were focused less on academic progress and more on simply helping Eli make it through the school day without becoming overwhelmed. Recognizing that he needed additional support, YDT brought Eli’s parents together with a team of professionals to develop a plan for his success. They recommended additional therapeutic support, including Floortime, continued occupational therapy, a neuropsychological evaluation and an assessment for special education services.
Today, Eli is thriving in first grade.
With support from a Peterson Scholarship, Eli receives daily individualized support in reading and math, works with a qualified speech therapist to strengthen his language and articulation, and continues Floortime therapy focused on self-regulation and social skills. His teachers also benefit from a collaborative team of intervention specialists and therapists who work together to understand Eli’s needs and help him succeed in the classroom.
This support is made possible, in part, through the partnership between Yeshiva Derech HaTorah and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. As a beneficiary agency, YDT receives support from the Federation and the community’s Campaign for Jewish Needs, helping the school provide critical educational resources and services that enable students with diverse learning needs to thrive.
There are still challenging moments, but Eli comes to school each day excited to learn and motivated to succeed. His parents look toward the future with hope, knowing that a caring team is there to support him every step of the way.
Eli’s story is a powerful example of what community investment makes possible. With our community’s support, beneficiary agencies like YDT can provide the resources, expertise and support that help children overcome challenges, build confidence and reach their potential.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality
TOGETHER, we help save and change tens of thousands of lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world. Thank you!
