Best Long Island School Districts for Special Education (Huntington, Miller Place: moving, offer)

[Septamom]

My son also went to Variety Child Learning Center. I will be forever grateful to Variety.
I say a little pray each night to thank God for leading me there. I tell anyone that will listen they not only teach they perform miracles.

[lynn37]

Although Island trees did well for you they did not for me. As for Lindenhurst once again I didn't have to fight the way I had to fight in Island trees. All I know is my daughter is now an A,B student again, and even though she is self contained she is on grade level just at a slower pace. My son who is now in a boces program has confidence again and is bringing me home amazing grades. something he very rarely did in Island trees. Boces programs are not just for severely mentally challenged people. They are also for children with neurobiological disorders. Which most of these children tend to be very intelligent. The way they learn needs to be tapped into and once you do that amazing things happen. My son can do science problem in his head, he can do whole algebra problems in his head. When he is in a classroom with too many people the anxiety takes hold and his full potential can not come out. That is why boces was a proper choice for him. As for my younger son Island trees wouldn't even give him a preschool program. When we moved to Lindenhurst that all changed he was put in a program within a month. It has been my experience with Island trees that when a child has a problem like ADHD, bipolar or other not so visible problems they tend to either take there time getting the problem fixed. For a district that seems to be so good why would they have active special education law suits against them.

[HearUs]

Hi All
Joining for the first time. Interesting stuff here. It seems each district varies for each child. In my experience and my advice to some interested in Seaford stay away.
The Spec Ed team does not collaborate well with its parents especially if a parent knows just a bit too much for their taste you are met with resistance! For the most part Their programs are scattered and unorganized. Some personnel and most of the aides are not experienced. No surprise there. Special Ed not just here but across LI needs to be examined closely and we as parents need to be heard. Our children deserve the best. Unfortunaltely most of the budgets or bonds benefit our scholars, sportsman and musically talented. I don't have a problem with that just give our kids
a fair and quality education. I also must agree we need to be under one umbrella like NYC Board of Ed. Each district has way too many policies. Hey anyone know what is going on with yesterday's Newsday article with the attorney double dipping with the school distrcits. By the way parents join SEPTA. We need more support! It can be the way to pave the road for Spec Ed.

[yeaitsme]

I just want to say how great I think this thread is and it is a valuable resource for those of us who have children in special ed. With that said please remember this is not a debate thread on whether or not a district is good or bad. I have had horrible stress with Sachem while others may love it @@ (lol) but each experience is valid and useful to the thread. So while you may have had a good experience in your district others may not, all the information provided is helpful. So please allow others their opinion good or bad. We need to hear all sides. Thanks so much and I am so glad I started this thread because i has so much info in it Let's keep up the good work.....We still have alot of districts to cover.

[2GR8BOYS]

Anyone know if the Connetquot school district is good for special ed? We are moving into the Idal Hour area of Oakdale and our 5 year old has PDD.

[HearUs]

To : 2gr8boys

I don't know much about Connetquot but be an educated consumer. Ask lots of questions about their programs. If you can view the potential class your child might be in, it can sometimes be helpful. It can provide a snapshot on how that program is going.
Also, giving information about your child to the schools is helpful. Being an educator myself the parents that were able to provide me with some helpful info on their child helped me move that child forward a little quicker. It takes time to figure children out any communication from parents is a bonus. Good Luck

[2GR8BOYS]

Thank you so much. I will have no problem with that. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I talk to my sons teacher all the time to let her know if he's having an off day or what strategies are working at home. Communication is key.

[bluu2000]

does anyone knows of best school districts in nassau county only? i am looking for a school/program for my son who will be going to kindergarten in sept. he is on the spectrum. we did not have the iep meeting yet, anyone with prior iep meeting experience, please share. if the board gives a program/class size and you disagree, do they listen and try to give you (the parent) what you want for your child (ie class size/program) any info would be very helpful. i am new to the county moving from brooklyn. thanks

[LPTSILVER]

Everyone has different experiences & different opinions, I was just giving mine. I know quite a few other parents who had great help from Island Trees after their district wouldn't help. I just wanted both sides to be heard. As for lawsuits, EVERY district has lawsuits filed against them by parents, again it is a matter of each situation and needs. Parents need to speak up and not give in and demand other evaluations if you feel they are needed. We need to be the voices for our children. My feelings on Lindenhurst were from an insider's view. My husband was a teacher there for 2 years. I personally would not move into that district. I'm glad your children got the services they needed. That, in the end, is what really matters.

[LPTSILVER]

I can only repeat what I said about asking questions and speaking up if you feel your son needs more services. Ask questions at the evaluations and iep meetings to make sure everyone is in agreement. You have the right to get additional evaluations if you aren't comfortable with the findings. Most school districts will let you know your rights. I read every word on every paper I was given. I asked alot of questions and repeated what was said to make sure we all understood eachother. Good Luck!!