CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND OTHER ACUTE DISEASES A Pediatric Program is offered weekly in collaboration with the NYU Medical Center's famed Child Life Program. This horticulture program for children on the acute hospital unit, in treatment for cancer, epilepsy and other illnesses, offers projects related to plants and flowers to engage both the children and their families in the stress-reducing, mood enhancing activities

HANDWRITING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN The Garden has been participating with Rusk's Occupational Therapists in "Pencil Pals", a handwriting program for young children. The multi-sensory horticulture activities are fun for the children practicing eye-hand coordination, spacing, alignment, and grasp.

LIBRARY PROGRAM A weekly Children's Story and Song Hour is conducted by volunteers in the PlayGarden or in the Greenhouse in inclement weather. Children, teachers and aides from the Rusk Preschool and moms and tots from the community fill the small space to sing along and listen to stories about gardens and nature.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH HIV This program is given in collaboration with the Bellevue Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic. It offers children infected with HIV a gardening program in the PlayGarden. This program teaches about different plants and their beneficial, nutritious qualities. As the children learn more about the needs and care for their plants, they also learn about their own needs for proper nutrition and care. They become more responsible for their plants as well as for themselves. During the children's program, the Bellevue social workers and nutritionists facilitate a support group for the children's caregivers. The entire group meets for a healthy lunch in the garden. The October Harvest Festival attracts more than 40 family participants and staff.

BUDDING GARDENER PROGRAM An outreach program offered by staff in the PlayGarden for community preschoolers, this 12-session program gives City children the opportunity to explore the plant world and discover the miracles of gardens. Sessions are conducted in the spring and fall.

GROWING GARDENER PROGRAM was developed to continue the garden education for elementary age children. In the six-session spring and fall programs, the children begin garden journals as they explore plant cycles and systems to become future garden stewards.

SMALL ANIMAL PROGRAM  Integrated into the horticulture programs, both children and adults learn handling techniques for different small animals, such as cats, rabbits, birds and turtles.  They learn about animal habitats, behavior and requirements for care.

HORTICULTURE/SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR THE SALK SCHOOL 7TH GRADE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCIENCE CLASS  A collaborative program integrated into the Salk science curriculum that uses hands-on experiences with plants and nature to stimulate sensory skills and increase knowledge and awareness of environmental concepts. The program involves the students in a community service project that offers opportunities for team-building.

HASSENFELD CHILDREN’S CENTER  A collaboration between the Glass Garden staff and Hassenfeld staff to provide horticulture projects as a respite for children and families at the Hassenfeld Center.

PSYCHIATRIC UNIT ADOLESCENT PROGRAM  In collaboration with the Child Life Program hands-on horticulture projects are offered on the Unit to engage patients, stimulate socialization, and decrease anxiety and stress.