Best Long Island School Districts for Special Education (East Northport, Oakdale: cost, centers)

[yeaitsme]

Originally Posted by TomMoser

Interesting related article:

washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines

Thanks Tom. I don't know the intent of the article but I do think it is unfortunate that one disability gets more services than another. As a parent of a child with a dev disability what do you do? Let your child be classified autistic (the umbrella is huge) just to get the child what they need or stand by and let the district decide who gets and doesn't get what? Parents need to do whatever they can to get their child what they need. If that means classifying a child as autistic instead of mentally retarded who does it hurt if it benefits the child? Early intervention now prevents having to overspend later o n children who cannot cope as adults.

[yeaitsme]

what is with the (Islip: lawyer zoned) added to the title of this thread? anyone know why that is there?

[yeaitsme]

well I am not getting and answer to the above post so I will continue. Unfortunately for us Sachem is still not providing my child with a FAPE. When I can post more details I will. Anyone else have other reports about a school district. I would love to hear about districts not listed or more info on those that are.

[yeaitsme]

Here are the opinions from the previous posts condensed and in no particular order. Sorry I did not alphabetize I am a bad typer as it is Remember it is an informal question and these are how others replied about the districts.

Sachem BAD (overwhelmingly) 0 out of 1 to 10

Riverhead good early intervention (which is run by suffolk county so that is not really a reflection on the district.)

Plainview Old Bethpage good

Amityville good

West Islip no resources

Massepequa no resources

Seaford no inclusion

Farmingdale good

Nassau Boces good

North Shore District ??? good

Levittown good

Copaige rated 4 out of 10 and no good

Middle Country good

Northport good

Alternatives for Children good

Port Jeff 0 out of 10

Willian Floyd Bad

South Country bad

Bayport Blue Point bad

Islip 5 out of 10

Syosset Wodbury good

East Rockaway good

Woodmere good

Longwood good

Patchogue Medford bad

North Babylon good (cross districts)

Half Hollow Hills good

Commack Good

Lindenhurst good

Oceanside good

[KellyFG]

Connetquot is also good, I posted very early on in the thread. I have a special Ed child that graduated from connetquot on 05.

[MAYA912]

I'm new to Brentwood and where I came from Bergen County NJ it makes Brentwood look terribe anyone know or experience different?

[I Know 4 Sure]

The Vincent Smith School in Port Washington is a great place for kids who have many types of learning disablities. The school has small classes and everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, gives a damn about the kids. It's really one of the best kept secrets in special education on Long Island and yet it's been around forever. I think it goes back to the 20's. It's nice too because kids go to college from that school. I know of a graduate from there who is going to medical school or he just started. My son went there and was several years behind in reading and taking more than one medication. Within a year at VSS, he was drug free, a year closer in reading and a year ahead in math. He had also turned from a loner into a social being. My school district had to pay a large portion of the tuition at VSS. Financially it was a stretch for us, but there is no better investment than in our children. I'm the proud parent an NYIT junior.

[mimibaby]

Hello to all! I am currently looking to buy a new home next year and i am in need of a good school district for my son . He has PDD-NOS. I live in uniondale and so far the services stink! They should be ashamed of themselves! I here syosset school district is great! I would like to know if east meadow school district is any beter! If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. We are all in this together. Thank you in advance for your kind support!

[xbure9x]

My wife teaches a life skills class at Garden City High School, and from what I know from her, and also from working at their middle school as an information technology guy, I can tell you that GC is excellent in their special education services and programs.

Of course the problem is that a lot of people who need those services probably can't afford to buy a home in GC, but there may be other creative ways to get your children there, I know of a couple of the kids who are not from GC and go to the schools there.

[scammed1]

I do not live in NY (although born and raised on LI) I do have a special needs nephew who has cerebral palsy. Just some general tips to help you.
Know what your state laws are concerning special needs students. You can look on your state education agency website and print it off. It is amazing when you walk into a meeting with the laws highlighted how things are expedited. Also try to find an advocacy group that will help in matters related to education. Become proactive politically and get to know which of your state reps. are on committes dealing with educational issues.
Also feel free to visit schools and classrooms, although with given notice most will be on their best behavior.
Hope this helps.