Rachel Cushmaro

Early Childhood Education & Special Education Consultant 

Rachel Cushmaro brings over 15 years of experience working with young children and families. She is dual certified and has a Master's degree in General Education and Special Education, Birth-6th Grade. 

Her experience includes working as a preschool teacher in a private school, New York City Department of Education special education teacher, autism coach, behavior therapist, SEIT, and early intervention specialist. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with teachers, families, and related service providers, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and school psychologists, to support the individual needs of children. Rachel

has a strong background in differentiating instruction and adapting activities and environments so every child can participate and have a successful school experience. 

Rachel is passionate about creating structured, developmentally appropriate classrooms where children can learn through play, exploration, movement, hands-on experiences, and engaging multisensory instruction that supports the whole child. 

At Alef Bet, Rachel has begun to work  collaboratively with teachers and staff to provide practical, classroom-based support, with the belief that the environment is a child's first teacher. She emphasizes thoughtful routines and intentional, prepared environments that foster independence, engagement and meaningful learning. 

Rachel is also the proud founder of Stanton Sensory, an early childhood program that uses a play-based learning approach to build foundational developmental skills. The thoughtfully designed curriculum features a new weekly theme, curiosity-sparking materials, and hands-on activities that support language and communication, fine and gross motor development, social-emotional skills, problem-solving, creativity and independence. 

She is a mom of two boys and a parent in the Alef Bet and Leffell community. She is excited to bring her experience as an educator, business owner, and parent to Alef Bet Preschool.