Best Long Island School Districts for Special Education (Lindenhurst, Port Jefferson: college, live)

[nbres]

They cut previous programs especially their once well regarded Step program(for autistic children) . It is now a shell of what it once was due to cuts especially in one area where they cut Teacher Assistants and replaced the position with aides (aide is a non certified HS dimploma position compared to having to be a certified teacher).

I have a child that is PDD-NOS. We once considered moving to Sachem just to get into that program you mentioned above. However, we ended up staying here in North Babylon, which turns out to be the best place by far for us. I give North Babylon a 10 out of 10, but I need to explain in detail below.

North Babylon has almost nothing in district for most special kids. This at first distressed us immensely, but then it dawned on us that that was actually a blessing. The reason being is because NB will pay to send your child anywhere you want that meets the needs of your child. There are special education children from North Babylon in both private schools and other nearby public school districts. My child is in another nearby public school district that has a great program for kids like mine. We are extremely happy. NB has been more than good to our special needs child - giving us everything we want and more.

[amyla]

Half Hollow Hills (dix hills/melville) has many offerings for the special needs child. I am a special education teacher who lives in the district. I also have a child who required services and they were very generous. I have also heard nice things about Commack.

[GypsySoul22]

Actually, no I moved to Vermont (I no longer live in Islip). Let me clarify once my son DID get services, the special ed team, including the psychologist, was quite good and helpful.

It's just hard to get your kid qualified. But it's like that in a lot of districts.

[momix5]

My friend lives in Longwood, they are one of the best for Special Education services, I think that the district is underrated.

[momix5]

My cousin lives in Lindenhurst, she has two children with Autism they are really great giving services to disabled children, I am in Pat-Med it is so so.

[yeaitsme]

Thanks for replying so 3 good marks for Longwood. I actually know someone that received services through them and were extremely happy.

[yeaitsme]

Originally Posted by nbres

I have a child that is PDD-NOS. We once considered moving to Sachem just to get into that program you mentioned above. However, we ended up staying here in North Babylon, which turns out to be the best place by far for us. I give North Babylon a 10 out of 10, but I need to explain in detail below.

North Babylon has almost nothing in district for most special kids. This at first distressed us immensely, but then it dawned on us that that was actually a blessing. The reason being is because NB will pay to send your child anywhere you want that meets the needs of your child. There are special education children from North Babylon in both private schools and other nearby public school districts. My child is in another nearby public school district that has a great program for kids like mine. We are extremely happy. NB has been more than good to our special needs child - giving us everything we want and more.

Can I ask which district your son was placed in? That way I can add it to the list

[yeaitsme]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

Actually, no I moved to Vermont (I no longer live in Islip). Let me clarify once my son DID get services, the special ed team, including the psychologist, was quite good and helpful.

It's just hard to get your kid qualified. But it's like that in a lot of districts.

If your child is disabled they should qualify but the state regs that determine if you child is disabled enough is what makes it difficult.

If you have a poorly run district they welcome the regs and will encourage parents to wait and see to save $$ (again sachem admin). Early intervention is key for kids with disabilities or learning issues. Wait and see just allows them to fall further behind at the child's expense.

Let me say I do love Sachem hence why we are not gone. The principles I have had contact with, the teachers and the staff all want to help the children and their hands are tied by administration. You can just stretch so far before the cracks start to show. I would rather they do what babylon does and admit they can't handle it no matter what the reason (which is always financial). Instead they live off their past glory and pretend that they are at the cutting edge with their programs. Now the intent was there but the powers that be won't allow the programs to function properly. Cuts are rampant and like I said they are snuck in through grouping kids for therapies or cutting them down by a session or two by telling the parents you don't want to get the kids to grow up reliant on the services. It is really sickening that parents who are most vulnerable are basically snowed over. I mean it is rare that a parent knows their rights much less understands it all and CSEs are overwhelming constantly discussing what's wrong with their child. They rely on the professional to help them through trusting what they recommend thinking the intentions are good.

[Pyreneespop]

I have a child in the special education program in Middle Country SD (right next door to you yeaitsme).My son has PDD.I love what they are doing for him.Middle Country sent him to Alternatives For Children in Setauket for Pre-k where he was placed in a 12-1-1 class.He recieved 1-1 speech,ot and play therapy.They then continued his program through the summer.This year he is in Unity In Centereach where he was placed in an 8-1-1 class.My son comes home everyday singing new songs and actually conversing with my wife and I and our other 2 sons.We have not had to lay 1 cent out of our pockets.In fact,we chose not to bus him to alternatives so the county reimbursed us for the travel.I hope this helps.Good luck.

[TomMoser]

Northport Schools provide excellent special ed services. As a real estate agent, I have had people tell me that they are moving here solely because of that.