Staten Island Parent’s Special Child Fall Issue is Here! A Parent’s Resource to Special Needs Support
For parents of children with special needs or disabilities, each day brings its own challenges—and unique opportunities to create meaningful connections. Early intervention can open doors through classes, expert therapy, and specialized schools, helping your child thrive. And for families with more complex needs, having the right resources and knowledge can make all the difference in creating a joyful, fulfilling life.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. In this issue, you’ll find:
- Tips to Help Your Child Shine in the Classroom
- How to Find the Perfect Babysitter for Your Child with Special Needs
Plus, our specially curated resources are designed to empower you and your family, including:
- Special Needs Listings: Discover inclusive schools, skilled therapists, and fun, supportive classes tailored for your family.
- Special Child Glossary: Key terms that every family can benefit from knowing.
Staten Island Special Child
11 W Forest Avenue, Teaneck, NJ
High School: 201-862-1796
CHSoffice@communityschool.k12.nj.us
1135 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ
Lower School: 201-837-8070
office@communityschool.us
The Community School serves the bright child with learning and attentional disabilities. For 56 years, the school’s primary goal has been to help children achieve a level of classroom performance that is fully commensurate with their abilities, intellects and talents. Community School welcomes students from New York and New Jersey, and is located just over the George Washington Bridge, in Teaneck, NJ.
1015 Castleton Ave.
info@crimsonrise.org
CrimsonRise teaches nonverbal autistic individuals, ages 5 to 60+, communication access through the Spelling to Communicate (S2C) method. S2C teaches purposeful motor skills to point to letters on a board or keyboard. Through this method, CrimsonRise enables individuals to express their thoughts and emotions. CrimsonRise’s services include one-on-one coaching with parent training and S2C based programs and services. CrimsonRise is uniquely co-founded and guided by nonverbal autistics who gained their voice through S2C.
265 Main St.
929-899-0939
facebook.com/groups/766611651761435
djfrankiejteaches@gmail.com
With over 10 years of experience in the special needs community, DJ Masters Academy offers DJ lessons for children of all abilities. Led by Frank Jaconetti, a seasoned DJ with 25+ years of experience in the industry, the academy provides training in DJing, singing, emceeing, mixing, video/audio, and line dancing while helping students build confidence and creativity through the art of DJing. They proudly accept self-direction—creating smiles, one beat at a time.
Todt Hill Pediatric Dentistry
268 Todt Hill Road
718-761-2090
Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist treats children of all ages and is specially trained to treat patients with special physical, mental and healthcare needs in a calm and caring atmosphere. The office is committed to quality dental services that ensure your child continues on the path toward a bright future of good oral health. Children are not always willing to visit the dentist and Dr. Merlino strives to make the experience of each visit more positive for them.
460 Brielle Ave.
718-983-3800
The Grace Foundation improves the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Grace provides programs including Site Based Respite/In-Home Respite, Day Hab, Com Hab and for ages 5-30. The ultimate goal is to enable individuals with ASD to lead independent and productive lives.
1000 Richmond Terrace
347 951 9650 ext. 1
ariel.illuminart@gmail.com
Join for a sensory-friendly showing of Seussical the Musical on Nov. 16 at 11am. Step into Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world where Horton hears a Who, the Cat in the Hat stirs up fun, and your favorite characters come to life. Other showtimes: Nov. 9, 10 and 16 at 2pm, Nov. 17 at 11am.
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island
1466 Manor Road
718-475-5200
At the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, children with special needs can find the support they need in a fun and nurturing environment. The JCC offers an array of programs for children with special needs, including First Foot Forward for preschool-age children, Marvin’s Camp for children ages 6 to 21, after school activities for kids and teens, a Girl Scouts troop, inclusion opportunities in traditional programs, and more.
LEAP – Immersive Learning Center Fusion Programs
300 Cromwell Ave.
718-351-2710
LEAP is an immersive learning center founded by Dr. Maria Casale, serving families of Staten Island for over 25 years. Leap has successfully partnered with parents in the education of children who require a holistic approach to teaching. In 2022, Fusion Programs was co-founded. Fusion Programs is a state-of-the-art facility inclusive of culinary arts, graphic arts/video production, fitness/dance and more. Fusion programs are designed to harness the natural strengths and talents of participants using progressive, brain-balanced approaches.
Lifetime Changes Behavior Services
683 Henderson Ave.
929-256-0231
lifetimechangesbehavior@gmail.com
Lifetime Changes Behavior Services is an NYC early intervention agency that helps children with disabilities. Free service for all NYC families, free transportation services are also available. LCBS is accepting family tours; spots are available in the morning and afternoon. Call Dana Van Dyke at 718-682-1831 or 929-256-0231 to set up a tour.
505 8th Avenue, New York, NY
Floor 12A, Room 2
Los Niños Services is an award-winning agency serving the developmental needs of children and their families. They specialize in home and community-based ABA, special instruction, speech, occupational, and physical therapies. All staff are experienced clinicians who pride themselves on being of great service to others. Serving children and families in Westchester and New York City boroughs. The programs through which they provide services are the Early Intervention Program and ABA through private insurance.
NHPP Pediatric Ophthalmology
2504 Richmond Rd.
718-667-1010
Sipedsoptho@Northwell.edu
It is crucial for parents to recognize ocular manifestations can often be early indicators of systemic disorders. The Pediatric Ophthalmology team at Northwell Physicians Partners collaborates with pediatricians and specialists to ensure coordinated care for children with various health challenges. Board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists provide compassionate, comprehensive care using state-of-the-art medical technology. Dedicated to individualized attention and the latest advancements, the team strives to empower each child with optimal vision and eye health outcomes.
Our Journey NP Psychiatric Services
1036 Victory Blvd.
845-669-7060
info@ourjourneysi.com
Our Journey NP Psychiatric Services is a private practice providing comprehensive psychiatric care for individuals ages 4 through adulthood. They offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, ADHD testing
645 Forest Ave.
718-720-9233
eciraola@onyourmark.org
Since 1979, the mission of On Your Mark has been to provide innovative and comprehensive community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across their lifespan. They are committed to helping each individual experience the highest quality of life possible by providing person-centered programs that promote community and social inclusion, health and fitness, daily activity participation, independence, self-empowerment, and productivity.
150 Granite Ave.
info@pccsny.org
Person Centered Care Services is a not-for-profit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Services available include Community Supports, Residential Supports, Career Supports, Day Supports, Family Education & Training, and Self-Directed Supports.
Sandra Mazzucco, Speech-Language Pathology
465 Belfield Ave.
917-825-9005
Providing speech and language therapy to the Staten Island community for over 40 years for toddlers up to seniors. Specializing in fluency and stuttering, language and feeding disorders. PROMPT trained for Apraxia of speech and phonological and articulation disorders. ASHA certified. New York state license in Speech and Language Pathology. Department of Education RSA accepted.
Sunny Days Consulting Services
1110 South Ave., Suite 405
718-556-1616
Sunny Days provides home-based evaluations and ongoing therapy for infants and toddlers (ages birth to three years) suspected of having any developmental delays. They offer Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Special Educational services. Services are funded by the NY State Department of Health. No out of pocket expenses necessary.
