Nassau Parent April 2019 by City Guide NY

LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM APRIL 2019

A Birthday Bashfor Less Plus, party entertainment, places, and more!

SpecialParent • Planning for Your Child’s Future • Sensory-Friendly Fun • Resources for Children with Special Needs

10 Easy Tips to Go Zero Waste

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

SUMMER GROWTH SPURT Usdan is an award-winning day camp for students ages 4-18 to explore music, dance, theater, visual arts, sports, and more on our Long Island campus in the woods. JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, April 28 or Sunday, May 19 Reservations required. Visit usdan.org/visit.

FOR $100 OFF NEW STUDENT TUITION USE PROMO CODE: NASSAU

WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, NY 1-844-824-2778 | USDAN.ORG

P r es e n t s

Long Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

P R I VAT E S C H O O L FA I R If you are a Long Island parent or professional and considering private school for your child or are merely curious about the landscape of private school offerings on Long Island, you do not want to miss this event. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and speak with admissions representatives from private schools, as well as set up private visits to schools of interest.

Sunday, May 5th 10:00AM -2:00 PM Adelphi University (Campbell Lounge) 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 To learn more, contact Victoria Weitgenant at VWeitgenant@Fusionacademy.com

Pa r t i c i pat i n g S c h o o l s : Diocese of Rockville Center East Woods School Friends Academy Fusion Academy Holy Child Academy Gersh Academy Greenvale School Knox School Lawrence Woodmere Academy LI School For The Gifted LI Whole Child Academy Portledge School Stony Brook School Trinity Lutheran School Waldorf School West Hills Academy Winston Prep

...And many more!

LongIslandParent

3 CAMPS IN 1 CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!

Join us for the Summer of 2019.

CALL NOW FOR A TOUR! The Camp with ALL the Extras! ALL the Traditional Day Camp Activities Programs for Children Ages 2-14 Flexible Scheduling - Choose 2,4, 6 or 8 Weeks Hot Lunch and Before & After-Care Available Transportation Across Suffolk & Nassau Counties

Specialty Camps at Park Shore

Chef Paula’s Cooking With Stars

Culinary Camp for Aspiring Chefs For Children Completing Grades 1-7 Is your child an aspiring chef or just LOVES cooking and baking? Foodie kids can join Chef Paula at the Culinary Cottage at Park Shore for an unforgettable and spectacular summer of culinary learning and fun!

Extreme STEAM Science Kids

Serious Science Mixed with Serious Fun For Children Completing Grades 1-5 Does your child LOVE science and technology? Kids can join our one-of-a-kind educational summer program featuring robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, coding, science, art and mathematics - all while having fun!

Cooking With Stars and ESSK are morning programs with the option for children completing grades 1-5 to extend their day and experience all of the AMAZING camp activities that Park Shore has to offer.

Dix Hills • 631.499.8580 • ParkShoreDayCamp.com 4

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

LongIslandParent

contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)

april 2019

16 37

birthday parties 50 A Birthday Bash for Less

Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

Learn how to make the green movement work for your family—it’s not as hard as you think!

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do with your family every day of the month!

52 Birthday Party Directory

special needs 22 26 30 32

Protecting Your Child’s Future Special Needs Directory Special Education Resources Special Education Resources at-a-Glance

Potty Training 101

Here’s how to make the frustrating task of getting your kids out of diapers as smooth as possible.

raising kids

things to do

8 Editor’s Note 10 New Places, New Programs 12 Helping Teens Through Mental Health Struggles 14 Advocating for Peri 54 Potty Training 101 56 Awkward Talks 60 Camps for Older Kids 62 Camps at-a-Glance Chart 64 Open Houses 66 Professional Services 68 Meet the Health Care Professional 69 Advertisers’ Index 70 I Will Not Fail This Child

37 Family Activities Calendar 49 Family Fun in Manhattan

family life 16 Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ››

16 10 Easy Tips to Go Zero Waste 50 A Birthday Bash for Less 39 Sensory-Friendly Fun 22 Planning for Your Child’s Future

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

At Oasis I will... Play, Learn & Grow

Oasis Offers:

Gain Confidence Be Part of a Unique Community Unplug & Connect with Nature Try New Things Build Lifelong Friendships Have Positive & Supportive Role Models

• Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch Included! • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks • AC Transportation • American Red Cross Swim Instruction • Carnivals & Tie Dye • Special Events • Imagination Playground • Horseback Riding

LIU POST

at The LIU Post Campus in Brook ville Join us for an info se ssion! Tue sday, April 9th f rom 7pm - 9pm OR Saturday, April 27th f rom 11am - 1pm Both se ssins will be in the Hillwood Commons Building - Fishbowl Room (720 Northern Blvd)

@oasisdaycamps LongIslandParent

raising kids editor’s note APRIL 2019 • Vol.10 • No.11

A Season to Celebrate

e have a little spring in our step, and the change in seasons has (almost) nothing to do with it. In early March, we attended the annual Parenting Media Association conference, and NYMetroParents was honored with five awards for digital and editorial excellence—including a silver award for our Weekend Scoop newsletter! Sign up at nymetroparents.com/register if you don’t already get it! Children always seem to have a little spring in their step when their birthdays roll around. So, to help you plan the ultimate birthday bash without breaking the bank, check out Madeleine Burry’s article on pg. 50. It’s full of ideas to earn you double-taps on Instagram without tapping into your savings. Spring is also a time when we think of how we can help Mother Earth and do good for our environment (who else is excited to visit baby animals at the zoo?). Check out “Zero Waste, Zero Fuss” for 10 easy things you can do to limit the amount of trash your family creates (pg. 16). April is Autism Awareness Month, and in honor of it, you’ll want to read Stella L. Spanakos’ heart-wrenching essay about how she turned a tragedy into a way to help her son and others on the spectrum (pg. 70). And in keeping with our goal to help you make better decisions for your kids, we’re bringing back Special Parent in digital editions full of advice, resources, and inspiring stories—all for parents of children with special needs. It’s launching Monday, April 8, so check it out then! We’re also continuing to help you make better decisions for your kids when it comes to summer camp. If you haven’t already, make sure you read our 2019 Summer Camp Guide at nymetroparents.com/campguide/longisland. Whether you’ve already chosen a camp or are still looking, the Camp Guide is full of advice for working with camp staff, ensuring your child has an amazing summer, and local camp descriptions. It’s a mustread for every parent of a camper. Wishing you a prosperous and productive spring! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

Have You Seen the 2019 Summer Camp Guide? nymetroparents.com/campguide/longisland

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes ASSISTANT EDITORS: Jacqueline Neber, Anja Webb CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Colleen Kearney, Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CFO: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

Looking for a camp for this summer? Have you chosen a camp for your child this summer? Either way, you’ll want to read this guide! Long Island Parent’s 2019 Camp Guide is chock full of great advice every parent of a camper should know. Learn from experts about working well with camp staff, supporting your child, or choosing the right camp for your child. Plus, if you are shopping for a camp, check out local camps’ descriptions and open houses. Read it now on your phone, desktop or tablet.

CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

Nodoctor would ever prescribe tobacco... sowhydo pharmacies sell it? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to end this practice. Learn more at BreatheFreely.org.

LongIslandParent

raising kids new places, new programs

At the YMCA at Glen Cove Summer Camp, children can participate in a variety of fun activ ities every day.

Courtesy Camp

Jacobson

Who: YMCA at Glen Cove What’s New: American Ninja Warrior Course, an ice-skating rink, archery, and GameLand. The Y’s GameLand experience will have game pieces as big as children. The ice-skating rink will be outdoors and will allow campers to skate on hot summer days. It will also allow the camp to add hockey into its sports camps. These new features aim to make camp even better for kids who have already spent summers with the Y and attract new campers in the process. The Y will also be holding half-day coding camps that give kids the chance to learn coding skills in a social, fun environment. Want More Info: 125 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove; 516-671-8270.

YMCA of Long Island

YMCA at Glen Cove Summer Camp to Offer New Experiences

Old Westbury Day Camp Welcomes Assistant Director Who: Camp Jacobson What’s New: Assistant Director Adam Grundfast, who joined the team in early March. Grundfast has a background in camp that spans almost 20 years, including years as a camper, a counselor, and various group leader roles. He also worked as a university professor and lawyer for more than 25 years. His current role at Camp Jacobson allows him to combine his legal, educational, and child development backgrounds to best serve the community. “I felt I could build a thousand businesses and it wouldn’t matter as much as helping one child,” Grundfast says. Want More Info: 340 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury; 516-626-1094; campjacobson.com.

in the heart of held a special place Camp has always Camp Jacobson, of or ect dir istant Adam Grundfast, ass eriences as a child. exp p cam positive stemming from his

Who: Kenwal Day Camp What’s New: A coding and robotics partnership with Sylvan Learning, an amusement ride called Turtle Train, and additional day trips, slated to begin June 27. In conjunction with Sylvan Learning, campers in first grade will have access to firsthand experience in these growing fields. Campers in fourth grade will now go on six day trips, as opposed to the normal five, as they prepare for the Super Senior program. Kenwal Day Camp offers age-appropriate curriculums to campers in preschool through 11th grades. Teenagers and campers entering fifth through 11th grades can participate in flexible programs that include overnight trips and off-site excursions to places including Virginia Beach, Broadway shows, Dave & Busters, and the Hamptons. Want More Info: 100 Drexel Ave., Melville; 631-694-3399; kenwaldaycamp.com.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Kenwal Day Camp

Day Camp in Melville Adds Programs and Attractions

In addition to traditional camp activities, Kenwal Day Camp offers an inflatable water park, circus arts, mini golf, go-karts, zip lines, and more.

ARBOR DAY FAMILY FESTIVAL 2019 Presented by Planting Fields Foundation In cooperation with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 27TH & 28TH 11:00AM – 4:00PM / RAIN OR SHINE Admission to the Arbor Day Family Festival is FREE for Planting Fields Foundation members and $20 per vehicle for non-members. Family Activities On Both Days Include: • Tree climbing • Tree plantings with Smokey Bear • Tree seedling giveaways • Scavenger hunt, nature crafts, caricaturist and children’s book reading, The Planting Field Fox • L.I. Garden Railway train display • Tours of Coe Hall and surrounding gardens

In partnership with

And our sponsor

MEMBERSHIP f

PLANTING FIELDS ARBORETUM STATE HISTORIC PARK 1395 PLANTING FIELDS RD., OYSTER BAY, NY 11771

WWW.PLANTINGFIELDS.ORG PLANTING FIELDS FOUNDATION

RECEIVE $10 OFF

Planting Fields Foundation Family Membership (normally $85/year) when you join or renew by Mon., April 22, 2019

Contact Lilly McGurk at 516 922-8676 or emcgurk@plantingfields.org and reference promo code “FAMILYFUN2019”

LongIslandParent 11

raising kids in the know

Helping Teens through Mental Health Struggles ›› By Melissa Wickes

early 20 percent of teenagers have a diagnosed mental health disorder, according to Robin Seymour, LCSW, clinical director of Newport Academy, a series of evidence-based healing centers for adolescents struggling with mental health issues. She says teens often exhibit internal mental health struggles by acting out and partaking in risky behaviors. So, to help your teen through these difficulties and limit risky behaviors, Seymour shares five effective ways to navigate your child’s mental health crisis.

Make communication a priority. Many teens say their No. 1 issue with their parents is a lack of communication, according to Seymour. Stay present in your child’s life, ask questions without being interrogative, and, most importantly, listen to what she has to say. When approaching these conversations, recognize your child may be struggling and acknowledge that her outlandish behaviors may be a result of a deeper struggle. Approach the situation with love and understanding and ask yourself, ‘why is my child doing this?’ Let your teen know he is not alone. Teens in general struggle a lot because they often feel as though they are the only one dealing with certain things, whether it’s anxiety or depression—or just the feeling of receiving a bad grade on an exam. And with the stigma of mental health disorders, your child may feel very alone in his fight. Reassure your teen that he is not alone by discussing struggles you may have had as a teenager. Don’t overreact to the situation. Blowing small problems out of proportion will only make the situation worse. In order to help your teen through what may or may not be a mental health crisis, be patient and find your own middle ground. If you overreact, your teen will be less likely to come to you for help in any situation. Reach out to other adults in your child’s life. While you know your child better than anyone else, it can always help to get the perspective of other adults that spend a lot of time with her. If you have a concern, ask her teachers, coaches, and any other adults she may be spending a good chunk of time with if they have noticed an abnormality in your daughter’s life. Access professional help. Mental health is a delicate and serious topic that needs to be treated with empathy and often professional help. Seymour suggests looking into mental health treatment options that use evidence-based practices and those that are specific to helping adolescents. 12

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Learn more at: www.advantagecaredtc.org Call Us Today! 516-686- 4400 Advantage Care Health Centers are state-of-the-art centers that provide:

• • •

PRIMARY & PREVENTIVE MEDICAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS COMPREHENSIVE & PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS PSYCHIATRY • PODIATRY • WOMEN’S HEALTH

The health center specializes in providing services general public.

We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and Managed Care Plans

At Advantage Care the Fay J. Lindner Center for

across their lifespan. • PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION MANAGEMENT • PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS • PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS • SOCIAL SKILLS THERAPY GROUPS • PSYCHIATRY • PSYCHOTHERAPY

FREEPORT

230 Hanse Avenue Freeport, NY BROOKVILLE

AHRC Nassau’s Campus 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY

We provide services regardless of your ability to pay. Sliding fees! Bilingual Staﬀ! LongIslandParent 13

SpecialParent Courtesy Lori Finkelstein

raising kids voices

Advocating for Peri ››

Although the past 18 years have been full of challenges, I’ve always believed my daughter could do anything she put her mind to. By Lori Finkelstein, as told to David Paone

’ll start at the beginning: I was born in Queens in 1965 and moved to West Hempstead about two years later. I met Paul while we both attended Queens College, but he repulsed me, in true romantic comedy fashion. Eventually we became best friends, but when I set him up on a blind date, I knew I had made a mistake and wanted him for myself. We were married on Dec. 31, 1989. I had told him if we didn’t get married in 1989, we were never getting married. Beginning a marriage with an ultimatum is always a good idea. Our first child is Katy, born in 1990. Our second is Joel, born in 1995. We weren’t planning on a third child, at least Paul wasn’t, but in 1999 I heard on the radio that if we were to conceive a child within the next few days, we would most likely have a millennial, born by Dec. 31. We got on that right away. Peri was born on our 10th anniversary. Much of Peri’s young life has included medical emergencies and hospital stays that last for months. By the time she was 2, she had both CPR and the Heimlich maneuver performed on her twice, including by Paul. Sometimes I have flashbacks of them cutting her dress open in the ER and pounding on her. Many children born with nemaline rod myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy, don’t survive past the age of 7. Peri has survived one muscle biopsy (at 9 months old), nearly 25 sets of ear tubes, more than a dozen bronchoscopies, a tracheotomy, the removal of her tonsils and adenoids, a broken femur, two broken tibiae, and eight scoliosis surgeries. Physically and medically, Peri’s obstacles were immense. But one early piece of advice we took heed to was to “maximize her potential.” We’ve always been very positive with Peri. We haven’t said, “she’s never going to do this.” We always assume she can do it. That approach has worked. Peri made honor roll every quarter in sixth grade. The year before, she won the excellence award for her class at graduation. More recently she was salutatorian at her graduation from Henry Viscardi School in Albertson.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Lori Finkelstein with her daughter Peri, who was born with nemaline rod myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy

I didn’t know it at the time, but all during my young life I was learning the skills that enabled me to care for such a child. My sister was book smart. It was her job to study all the time and I took care of the house. I cooked and cleaned while my parents were at work. But I also learned how to call companies on the phone if I had a problem with their products. I learned what to say to get them to send me a replacement at no charge. All of this repeated itself when I had to deal with insurance company appeals and the uncooperating public school system. My knowing how to finagle has gotten Peri services she wouldn’t otherwise have had. In 2013, we had the opportunity to meet David Wright of the New York Mets at Citi Field. I love David Wright; he’s a mensch. David walked over to his locker, produced an All-Star game jersey, signed it, and gave it to Peri. I would have been happy with a sock. This past September he actually called Peri on the phone to talk about a gift she had sent him. Then he mailed her a signed baseball bat. Gotta love David Wright. He didn’t have to do any of that. Currently, Peri is a freshman at Adelphi University in Garden City, as a business marketing major. I attend class with her some days and a nurse we hired on other days. It’s like I’m going to college again. At first, I paid attention to the lessons and even asked questions, which really bothered Peri. So now I sit in class, next to Peri, watching Netflix on my phone. I watched all of Orange Is the New Black and now I’m up to Mad Men. Sometimes the teachers will talk about something from 1912 and give me a nod and I’ll give them one back. The worst part, however, is while Peri is on a feeding tube and losing weight, I think I’m gaining the freshman 20. The plan is for Peri, and probably me, to go all the way to an MBA. I’ve been helping her with her papers, but I can see her getting stronger and stronger and soon she won’t need any help. One day Peri will rule the world.

Love alone can’t protect a child with special needs If you’re caring for a disabled child, spouse, sibling or parent, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can assist you with the following: •

Preparing a will and advanced directives

•

Understanding current government benefit programs for individuals with special needs

•

• • • •

Establishing a supplemental needs trust Handling guardianship proceedings Social Security claims and appeals Creating the letter of intent

Elder law and long-term care planning

What rights do students have? Children do have legal rights, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a law designed to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for the future.

Safeguarding legal rights is often critical to a student’s success. In situations where school districts aren’t in compliance, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can advance a resolution that best serves your child’s well-being and education.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Manhattan

Long Island

(212) 244-0596

(516) 877-0595

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.amcohenlaw.com

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2440 New York, New York 10170

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1100 Franklin Avenue, Suite 305 Garden City, New York 11530

LongIslandParent 15

family life home

Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

››

Cutting the amount of landfill trash your family creates isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Here’s how to make this green movement work for your family. By Emma Steven

ero-waste living has become a lifestyle movement. There are now hundreds of books, blogs, and videos about it, and even a number of zero-waste stores opening in New York City. For a beginner, becoming a zero-waste household looks time consuming and difficult. So just how do you do it, and is it even possible for a busy, urban family? Bea Johnson is a mother of two, blogger, author of the best-selling book Zero Waste Home, and the founder of the zero-waste lifestyle movement. Her family of four famously collects less than a glass jar’s worth of waste a year, and she travels the world talking about it. Her passion and conviction for zero waste is the driving force behind the lifestyle’s growing popularity. “To me it’s a life hack,” she sums it up. “It’s a way of saving time and money in so many different areas, so that all you regret is not having started earlier.” But before you panic about having to throw away your trash can, it’s important to remember the world is not currently set up for us to be 100-percent zero waste. “Pretty much no one is completely zero waste,” says Celia Ristow, a zero-waste writer, organizer, founder of the blog Litterless. “You can still make

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

some trash and that’s perfectly fine,” she reassures. “It’s less about making zero waste and more about zero-waste principles.”

Why Go Zero Waste?

Though it may seem like a massive undertaking, there are seven big reasons to live a zero-waste lifestyle. • It reduces your landfill. New Yorkers create an average of 12,000 tons of waste each day (not including commercial waste), and the majority of it ends up in landfill, according to the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. • It reduces greenhouse gases. Landfill is the third biggest source of methane gas, which is more potent than carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to climate change, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. • It reduces plastic waste, a global problem that is poisoning our oceans and waterways. By 2025 we will be dumping 16 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea, per year, according to a 2015 study by the UC Santa Barbara’s National Center for Ecological Analysis. • It conserves natural resources. Creating single-use items

uses precious resources (e.g. plastic forks), and those items can’t be re-used or recycled. • Recycling isn’t enough. Although the EPA estimates that Americans recycle more than 87 million tons of waste a year, plastic is usually recycled into something that can’t be recycled, so it eventually ends up in landfill. Recycling also takes up a huge amount of resources, including shipping overseas. • It can improve your health. It reduces your exposure to plastics and chemicals in conventional consumer products and forces you to eat fewer processed foods. • It can save you time and money. “When you eliminate over consumption and buying disposables, then all of a sudden it’s more time and money in your life to do what’s important to you,” Johnson says. You’ll spend less time and money on cleaning, buying, repairing, and disposing of things.

Getting Started

“When people get started, they think, ‘Oh boy, this sounds so complicated. It’s so different from what we’re doing,’” Johnson says. “But it actually isn’t. We’re talking about things that your grandparents used to do, really quite simple.” She gives the example of replacing tissues with handkerchiefs. Instead of spending time and money going to the store to buy tissues and disposing of them once used, you carry a handkerchief (like Grandma) that you wash and reuse. Johnson also wants to dispel the myth that you need to spend all of your time making zero-waste replacements for things. While some people may enjoy it, this isn’t necessary. Instead of making your own toothpaste, breakfast cereal, or five different types of homemade kitchen cleaner, make lowwaste swaps instead.

“If you can find the ingredients zero waste and you have the time and the curiosity then great,” Ristow says. “If not, someone probably already makes it and so you can save yourself time.” For example, if your grocery store only stocks packaged bread, you don’t need to make it yourself; look around for a local bakery and bring your own bag. Ristow’s blog has a great shopping directory (litterless.com/wheretoshop) to help you find low-waste alternatives. “Zero waste becomes a lifestyle—not a short-term project— when you let it simplify your life, not complicate it,” Johnson says. “It’s all about finding super-simple solutions that you can see yourself sticking to for life.” In her book, Johnson introduces five zero-waste rules: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. Read on to discover how to implement them, as well as further tips to get you started. Refuse what you do not need, especially single-use items. Say no to the plastic bag, coffee cup, plastic fork, freebie pen, hotel shampoo, and toy at the dentist. This simple step will drastically reduce the waste you are bringing into your home. Then you can start working on what is already there. Reduce your belongings to make you more aware of what you are bringing into your home. Do you need three different types of moisturizer? Do you have a full closet but keep buying clothes? Do your kids play with all of their toys or could you donate some? Go slow and start with easy areas. You can then see where you need to make zero-waste swaps. Switch to reusables. Bring a reusable coffee cup to the coffee shop, a lunch box to work, a handkerchief in your bag, and reusable bags to the grocery store. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do continued on next page

››

Open House

May 5th 1:30 to 4:30

LongIslandParent 17

‹‹ continued from previous page

this, just use what you have at home. Make produce bags and handkerchiefs out of old sheets and use glass jars to transport your lunch or wet food like meat and cheese from the store. Need to buy something? Reuse by buying second hand items. Go slow to avoid burn out and overwhelm. Ristow recommends replacing items one at a time, for a more sustainable change. “Start small, and start where you can make a big impact,” she says. “You don’t have to change everything at once. You’ll feel really good when you notice your small changes making a difference, which will motivate you to keep going.” Recycle correctly. Don’t just put it all in and hope for the best. Approximately 77 percent of New Yorkers’ trash could be recycled, donated, or composted instead, according to the New York City Department of Sanitation. Read your borough’s recycling rules carefully to avoid contaminating your collection (causing it to end up in landfill). NYC has an excellent program in place. With a little research you can find a home for most things, even if they can’t be left at the curb. Rot what you can’t recycle, reuse, or refuse. The simple act of composting will reduce your trash by 34 percent and you don’t need a garden to do it. Visit grownyc.org for more information about local collection and drop-off locations. Shop at a farmer’s market, which is a great way of reducing waste. You’ll buy more fresh produce, support local farms, and you can bring your own bags and containers. There are more than 50 farmer’s markets in NYC, visit grownyc.org or downtoearthmarkets.com to find one near you.

Buy unpackaged foods. Once you get started, you’ll realize there are lots of options you aren’t using. Check out the bulk aisle of your local health food or grocery store, go to the bakery for your bread and cookies, get meats and cheeses from the deli counter, and stock up on lunch items at the salad bar. In some cases, you’ll even save money doing this. Find a bulk store near you with the Bulk Finder tool zerowastehome.com. Switch cleaning and beauty products. You don’t need five different cleaners and rolls of paper towels for a clean house. All you need is baking soda, vinegar, some soap, and old rags. In the bathroom you can switch to soap bars and refillable shampoo. There are now many companies offering refillable, package free products such as Brooklyn’s own Package Free Shop, set up by zero-waste blogger Lauren Singer of trashisfortossers.com. Focus on what’s important. “People think [zero waste] is about reducing your trash, but ultimately it actually translates into a simpler life: a life that is based on experiences instead of things and a life focused on being rather than having,” Johnson says. “For us, that’s what makes life richer.” The zero-waste lifestyle movement began in one woman’s kitchen in California and has grown into something with the power to influence corporations. In May 2019, eight of the biggest plastic polluting companies in the world, including Procter & Gamble and Unilever, will start trialing a new venture called LOOP, in which their products are shipped to consumers in refillable packaging that they then return. The future, we hope, is zero waste. Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats.

SPRING BREAK CAMP Monday-Friday, April 22-26, 2019 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our full-day programs are a perfect place for exploring science, technology, engineering, and writing in a fun and supportive environment that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.

FREE

CAMP OPEN HOUSE AND CARNIVAL

Saturday, April 13, Noon-2 p.m. Register at

hofstra.edu/camp

For details, contact: Melissa Gibson Phone: 516-463-7098 Email: Melissa.Gibson@hofstra.edu Web: ce.hofstra.edu/springbreak To learn more about Hofstra’s programs for youth, including our Saturday Classes for Young People and our Pre-Collegiate programs, visit ce.hofstra.edu/youth or call 516-463-7400. April 2019 | nymetroparents.com 18 Ad_CE_SpringBreakCamp_2019_OHCarnival_NYMetroParent.indd

3/20/19 2:04 PM

Now Accepting Enrollment VCLC Main Office 47 Humphrey Drive Syosset, NY 11791 516-921-7171 At the Levittown School 72 Farmedge Road Levittown, NY 11756 516-490-3301

Licensed by NYS OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services)

Before & Quality Child Care After Care for all children Available 6 weeks to 5 years For more information please contact VCLC at 516-921-7171 or email childcare@vclc.org

6:45AM - 7:00PM

LongIslandParent 19

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Give the Gift of FAMILY! Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent

Foster parents provide children with love, hope, and stability when they need it most.

Changing Lives… Creating Futures Since 1886 w w w . b e r s h i r e f a r m . o r g

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

•

6 3 1 - 4 2 0 - 4 4 4 4

inside

SpecialParent

online extras There are a lot of stereotypes about autism that just aren’t true. Read about the five biggest misconceptions at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-myths

Experts share how you and your partner can keep a strong bond when raising a child with autism. ›› nymetroparents.com/asd-parents

Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful. Find tips from a mom who’s been there at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-dining

Advocates are pushing for a stop to the R-word. Find out how, and what you can do to help at ›› nymetroparents.com/r-word

22 P rotecting Your Child’s Future: Parents of children with special needs must plan for the years ahead in important ways. Here’s where to begin. pecial Needs Directory: Find 26 S resources in Suffolk County for your child with special needs 30 S pecial Education Resources: Find schools, tutors, and more for your child with special needs.

SpecialParent

Protecting Your Child’s Future

››

Parents of children with special needs must plan for the years ahead in important ways. Here’s where to begin. By Christina Vercelletto

arenting is challenging no matter what. But as Nicole Johnson of Port Washington in Nassau County puts it, “parenting a severely disabled child is just very different. Our concerns are not ordinary.” Johnson’s daughter, Josie, 7, has FOXG1 syndrome, a neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the FOXG1 gene. “I worry about lifting her as she gets older,” Johnson continues. “She’s 50 pounds, and it’s getting very hard.” Josie could have a life-threatening seizure at any time, so “it’s critical she is always with someone. I worry about her care,” shares Johnson, who is a co-founder of the FOXG1 Research Foundation. Johnson’s worries about how her child will be taken care of when she’s no longer able to do it are likely familiar to many parents of children with special needs. Exactly what legal and financial steps need to be taken to ensure your child’s care and well-being down the road will be dictated by the specifics of your family’s situation and your child’s diagnosis. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t exist, but consulting with an attorney who specializes in estate and guardianship law to discuss your unique situation is an essential step. Seeking the guidance of a financial planner with expertise in family matters could also be necessary. Given the personal, emotional nature of the topics you’ll

be discussing, it’s important you feel very much at ease with him or her. If you enlist a large firm, make sure the person you first met with and liked is actually the one who will be working with you through the conclusion of the process. When you’ve selected your planning “team,” prepare to discuss these key points, and go to your initial meetings with a list of specific questions in hand.

Government Services

Is Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, or any other state or federal benefit available to your child, and what are the respective qualifications to receive them? This is the first thing to look into, and ask your attorney about, says Wendy Gildin, a special education lawyer in Garden City.

Income and Asset Limitations

Is there a limit to how much money your child can have in his or her name in order to receive the maximum amount of available benefits and services? “The answer is yes for many. For example, to qualify for SSI, your child must have less than two thousand dollars in assets,” Gilden explains. And it’s about more than continued on page 24

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

››

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Providing Services For Over 45 Years

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-proﬁt program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning, language and social delays, motor Impairments and autism with no direct cost to families: • Evaluations • Early intervention (Birth–3) • SEIT • CSE Itinerant Services • ABA Home Programs

• Related Services: - Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services

• Special Ed Classes: - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - inclusion

750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000

www.littlevillage.org

Funded and Regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suﬀolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department Early Intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. LongIslandParent 23

‹‹ continued from page 22

financial concerns. You will likely want to make sure there would be the least upset to your child’s current arrangements as possible, adds Naomi Becker Collier, Esq., of Pashman Stein in Purchase. Losing benefits can necessitate switching caregivers and disrupt your child’s routine.

Special Needs (or Supplemental Need) Trusts

Setting up a SNT for the benefit of the child with special needs is vital, says Michelle Peretz, counsel to Rivkin Radler’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, with offices in Manhattan and Uniondale. “By utilizing a special needs trust, you can protect the assets from claims and creditors, while retaining the disabled child’s eligibility for government services. Then the funds are used to pay expenses,” Peretz says. “Note, though, that the money in the trust cannot be given outright to the beneficiary, but [only] be used to pay expenses on their behalf.” Try to set up a budget for your dependent’s needs, so you can get a rough estimate of what those expenses would be. “Once you have an idea of how much money will be needed for him or her, then you can evaluate how you are going to fund that need in a trust,” Collier says.

Guardians and Trustees

Consider carefully who will be the people to provide support for your child, Gildin urges. “Some adults with disabilities will require a guardian who has the legal ability to make decisions for him or her, while someone [else] may need to act as a trustee to oversee the special needs trust,” Gildin says. She encourages parents to involve their child in this planning process as much as is practical. Trustees have complete control of the finances and assets in the SNT. Parents do not need to give this control over to one relative or close friend; they can choose co-trustees instead. Peretz recommends three: “This will avoid the autonomy associated with having one trustee appointed, and the potential for deadlocks between an even number of trustees,” she explains. Guardians, rather than controlling the financial side of your child’s life, will make decisions such as living arrangements, doctor selection, and transportation arrangements. Although it can be helpful if a trustee is also the guardian, Peretz notes, it’s quite possible that a person perfectly suited to making financial decisions isn’t necessarily the ideal caretaker. If you do decide to split up those responsibilities, make sure the

Want to know the best

activities for families? Subscribe to our family activity

email newsletter

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER 24

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

respective parties’ temperaments and perspectives on such practical matters align. You may love and trust both your sister and your childhood best friend, but if the two don’t usually see eye-to-eye, it may not be wise to pair them in these important roles.

Your Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy

Your will is where you name your child’s trustee(s) and guardian. Once you decide on them, it is crucial to consult your attorney to make sure your will is executed properly, and any and all beneficiary designations are spelled out as they should be, Collier says. A durable power of attorney appoints the individuals who can act on your behalf while you are still alive. “This is a very powerful tool to ensure that your child is taken care of should you become incapacitated,” says Nadine Gordon Lee, a certified financial planner with the Colony Group Family Offices in Manhattan and Armonk. For much the same reason, it’s smart to have health care proxies and related directives in place, she adds.

Properly Executed Life Insurance

Parents should make sure life insurance will be payable to the special needs trust, not directly paid out to the child, which could negate any government benefits for him or her. Lou Cannataro, partner at Cannataro Park Avenue Financial in Manhattan, advises purchasing separate life insurance policies for the spouse and any other children in the family. He points to “second to die” coverage as the most efficient life insurance for this type of situation. “Second to die is one policy that covers both parents. There is no payout until the second parent dies, for typically this is when the child is truly on their own.” Planning for a child’s future is important for all parents, but for parents of a child with special needs, the conversation is taken to another level. “We all nurture and plan for our child with the hope that our responsibility wanes once they begin to build their own lives,” Cannataro observes. “For parents with a [child with special needs], this role never ends.” So, while thinking ahead to a time when you won’t be able to care for your child as you do now is unsettling, even overwhelming, the best thing you can do for your child, and your own peace of mind, is to get started now. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

HUNTINGTON

GETS RESULTS!

SAVE $100*

ON AN ACADEMIC EVALUATION

WE HELP STUDENTS

AT ALL LEVELS ACHIEVE RESULTS

OUR PROGRAMS WORK BECAUSE: • We begin with an Academic Evaluation • We develop a customized learning plan • We provide personalized instruction by certified teachers at accredited centers

• We testify on behalf of a student, attend IEP or 504 meetings, and visit the student’s school • We update you on your child’s progress • We offer flexible schedules

Tutoring and Test Prep Phonics • Reading • Writing • Math • Study Skills Executive Learning Skills • ADHD • Dyslexia Learning Disabilities • ACT • SAT • Regents BALDWIN 516-867-4041 MANHASSET 516-365-4455

CARLE PLACE 516-747-5600

FLUSHING 718-358-7900

MASSAPEQUA PARK 516-799-9500

LYNBROOK 516-568-1900 PLAINVIEW 516-681-0400

HuntingtonHelps.com

CALL TODAY!

Personalized Attention.

WE CAN HELP!

1.800.CAN.LEARN

PROVEN RESULTS.

©2019 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program. LongIslandParent 25

Special Needs Directory Andrew Cohen, Esq., Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high-quality service at a reasonable cost.

Advanced Children’s Dentistry

200 Garden City Place suite 101, Garden City 516-758-KIDS (5437) advancedchildrensdentistry.com Your child can experience a stress-free and fun dental experience! Our dedicated pediatric dental team has completed extra years of training to provide exceptional dental service and treat patients with special needs. Our pediatric dentist works closely with our on-site anesthesiologist for patients who require extra TLC during their dental treatments.

Advantage Care Health Center

189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 516-686-4400 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Island’s premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. The center specializes in providing services to individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Berkshire Farm Center and Services For Youth

535 Broad Hollow Road, Suite B30, Melville 631-420-4444 berkshirefarm.org Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth helps children find safety and comfort in the homes of foster parents. If you have love and patience, plus an extra bedroom, becoming a foster parent may be for you. Become a foster parent and give the gift of family!

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington is a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, and ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

Camp Loyaltown

Glen Avenue, Hunter 518-263–4242 camployaltown.org Each year, Camp Loyaltown, a program of Citizens Options Unlimited, welcomes more than 650 campers ages 4-75 to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and fun environment. Located in the Catskill Mountains, Camp Loyaltown is a summer sleepaway camp and year-round respite program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry

959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com Why choose us? Our expert care and compassionate approach. We have a special place in our hearts for children with special needs. We know they require and deserve care tailored to meet their unique needs. Our doctors have completed two years of specialty training in behavior management, sedation, and hospital dentistry.

The Gersh Academy

21 Sweet Hollow Road, Suite 1, Huntington 631-385-3342 gershacademy.org info@gershacademy.org Gersh Academy serves students ages 5-21 on the autism spectrum. With more than 27 years of experience in special education, Gersh Academy provides students an environment where programs and services are customized around their individual needs, allowing them to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp

(for children on the Autism spectrum) 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 gershsummerprogram.com; westhillsdaycamp.com/wp/programs-by-age/ gersh-academy-whdc info@westhillscamp.com Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp is Long Island’s premier summer day camp for children diagnosed with autism and other neurobiological disorders. Gersh Academy and West Hills Day Cam joined forces to provide the ultimate summer camp program for children on the autism spectrum.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services

that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Huntington Learning Centers

656 Sunrise Highway, Baldwin 516-867-4041 607 E. Main St., Bay Shore 631-968-5100 79-81 Westbury Ave., Carle Place 516-747-5600 Elwood Shopping Center 1928B Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-462-8900 Phillips Plaza 639 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-568-1900 1506 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-365-4455 South Gate Shopping Center 49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park 516-799-9500 Gateway Plaza 499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue 631-289-4900 443 S. Oyster Bay Road, Suite B, 2nd floor Plainview 516-681-0400 Smithtown Shopping Center 8 Miller Place, Smithtown 631-360-0422 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in kindergarten to 12th tutoring and test prep. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all areas including executive functioning, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. We help students prep for the SAT, ACT, and state exams. Huntington also testifies on student’s behalf and attends IEP/504 meetings.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C.

534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice continued on pg. 28 ››

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Long Long Island Island Speech Speech & & Myofunctional Myofunctional Therapy Therapy

718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LIspeech.com

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of:

• Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency •

• Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

Specialized Therapy Approaches Including: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies

Jericho

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 500 North Broadway, Suite 141 Jericho, NY 11752

516-597-4344

Lake Success

Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island 444 Lakeville Road Lake Success, NY 11042

516-216-1791 • 718-640-6767

Wantagh

Speech Pathology & Swallowing Disorder Services of Nassau 3375 Park Avenue., Suite 4010 Wantagh, NY 11793

516-221-3653

LongIslandParent 27

‹‹ continued page 26

disorders, ﬂuency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts

1737 Veterans Memorial Highway Suite 1, Islandia 631-479-2900 mg-aba.com Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to serve people with autism spectrum disorders in our center-based programs, at school, in the home, and in the community. Our clinical providers are licensed in the state of New York or supervised by a NYS-licensed Behavior Analyst.

T Off 4 Autism c/o Just Architecture

572 Henry St., Brooklyn 718-855-1237 toff4autism.org mjust@mjarch.com T Off 4 Autism is 100-percent volunteer driven, focused on raising awareness, and supporting a variety of organizations and charities to help individuals with autism and their families. Our goal is to fund research to find a cure and provide long-term assistance including housing accommodations.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of

board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists that work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides services to more than 750 children and families annually. Services include evaluation to determine eligibility, early intervention, special education, Special Classes in an Integrated Setting, Special Education Itinerant Services, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Family Center Sunday Respite and Recreation Program, Social Skills Training Groups, and Lufrano Training.

Vincent Smith School

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

grades. VSS students come from all over Long Island and NYC to take advantage of the school’s unique programs and individualized curriculum.

Winston Preparatory School

30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills 212-719-5598 x2213 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a highly individualized and responsive setting for students in grades third through 12th with learning differences. Our unique model of education for the individual provides intense skill remediation while encouraging students to build independence, resilience, responsibility, self-awareness, and self-advocacy.

YMCA of Long Island

855-2YMCALI (962254) Locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue ymcali.org camp@ymcali.org Every child should feel supported, enabled, and inspired to do their personal best. The YMCA of Long Island offers several programs for children and adults with disabilities including inclusive camp program for children, competitive soccer, and progressive swim lessons. For more information, visit ymcali.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Marra and Glick Applied Behavior Analysts specialize in behavior intervention services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, utilizing specially designed and individualized learning opportunities to ensure social, academic and functional growth. We welcome learners from the age of 2 through 21 to our state-of-the-art center-based locations. At Marra & Glick ABA, we acknowledge the strengths and needs of each learner and create pathways for the development of the necessary skills to ensure success at school, home and in the community. All of our programs are supervised on-site by Board Certified and Licensed NYS Behavior Analysts (BCBA and LBA).

• Owned and operated by Licensed Behavior Analysts • Full-day, evening and weekend appointments • Now accepting insurance Suffolk County 1737 Veterans Memorial Highway Islandia, NY

Nassau County 2335 New Hyde Park Road New Hyde Park, NY

Located in the New Hyde Park Shopping Center

631-479-2900 | admin@mg-aba.com

New Location Opening in Spring 2019 New Hyde Park Grand Opening celebration coming soon!

LongIslandParent 29

Special Education Resources The Gersh Academy

21 Sweet Hollow Road, Suite 1, Huntington 631-385-3342 gershacademy.org info@gershacademy.org Gersh Academy serves students ages 5-21 on the autism spectrum. With more than 25 years of experience in special education, Gersh Academy provides students an environment where programs and services are customized around their individual needs, allowing them to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

Huntington Learning Centers

49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park 516-799-9500 Gateway Plaza 499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue 631-289-4900 443 S. Oyster Bay Road, Suite B, 2nd floor Plainview 516-681-0400 Smithtown Shopping Center 8 Miller Place, Smithtown 631-360-0422 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in kindergarten to 12th tutoring and test prep. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all areas including executive functioning, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. We help students prep for the SAT, ACT, and state exams. Huntington also testifies on student’s behalf and attends IEP/504 meetings.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C.

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts

Want to receive the best

fall activities for families? Subscribe to our newsletter for the best places to pick apples and pumpkins, Halloween events for kids, and more in your inbox! NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER 30

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Variety Child Learning Center

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Vincent Smith School is Long Island’s premier prep school serving students with learning issues such as school anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in first to 12th gradess. VSS students come from all over Long Island and NYC to take advantage of the school’s unique programs and individualized curriculum.

Winston Preparatory School

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Caring for kids is what we do.

Calm, comfortable dentistry for children and special needs patients.

Ehrenman & Khan P E D I AT R I C D E N T I ST RY

Board Certified • Kid Approved

Serving three generations of satisfied - and relaxed - families on Long Island

959 Brush Hollow Road • Suite 101 • Westbury, NY 11590 516.333.3033 • www.KidsTeeth4LI.com LongIslandParent 31

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C. specialedcounselor.com

✘

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts mg-aba.com

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

Variety Child Learning Center: Levittown vclc.org

✘

Variety Child Learning Center: Syosset vclc.org

✘

Variety Child Learning Center at Oyster Babies: Huntington & Oyster Bay vclc.org

✘

Vincent Smith School vincentsmithschool.org

✘

Winston Preparatory School winstonprep.edu

✘

✘ ✘

✘

Inclusive Setting

✘

Ninth to 12th Grades

✘

Sixth to Eighth Grades

✘

Kindergarten to Fifth Grade

✘

Preschool & Day Care

Huntington Learning Centers huntingtonhelps.com

✘

GRADES SERVED Speech & Language Therapy

✘

Occupational & Physical Therapy

✘

Early Intervention

✘

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

✘

Applied Behavior Analysis

✘

SERVICES OFFERED Physical Impairments

✘

Learning Disabilities

Developmental Disoders

✘

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children littlevillage.org

Emotional & Behavioral Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Gersh Academy gershacademy.org

Down syndrome

ADD & ADHD

DIAGNOSIS SUPPORTED

Special Education Itinerant Services

Special Education Resources at a Glance

✘ ✘

✘

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Does Your Child Struggle With Dyslexia or Other Learning Challenge? Your Journey Ends Here!

Vincent Smith School (Est. 1924) Grades 1-12

• • • •

Dyslexia, Anxiety, Special Education Small Classes (Avg. 5 Students) On-site Related Services Warm, Family Environment

Rolling Admissions All Year

Visit our Open House • Tues. Apr. 16, 7-9pm RSVP admin@vincentsmithschool.org or call for a tour

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington (516) 365-4900 • vincentsmithschool.org 32

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING THIS YEARS HONOREE

Dr. Glen Ehrenman Dr. Ehrenman and Khan Pediatric Dentistry Specializing in patients with special needs

A 501 (C) (3) Charitable Organization

t h g fi e h t n i s Please join u ! m s i t u A t s n i a g a

Thursday | July 11, 2019 Tam O’Shanter Country Club 74 Fruitledge Road | Brookville, NY For additional information contact us Email: mjust@mjarch.com • Phone: 718.855.1237 • Fax: 718.855.4454 T Off 4 Autism • c/o Just Architecture LongIslandParent 33

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

School Districts ask their attorneys what is the minimum amount of services the law requires them to provide to special education students. Law Offices of

Why shouldn’t you ask your attorney what the maximum amount of services the law requires the School District to provide?

Brad H. Rosken, PLCC Counselor at Law

534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275 Melville, New York 11747 (631) 379-9569 Brad@specialedcounselor.com www.specialcounselor.com

Going for your child’s first Individual Education Plan (IEP) and don’t know what to expect? I can give you the answers to those questions and many more, as your attorney, I solve problems.

Is your your child child struggling strugglingininschool? school?WeWecan canhelp. help. NY New York

West 17th Street 126126 West 17th Street New York, NYNY 10011 New York, 10011 646-638-2705 646-638-2705 @WPSNY @WPSNY

NOW ON NOW ON LI New Jersey Connecticut Transitions Program Long Island LONG ISLAND LONG 30 Deforest or ethnic origin. The WPSLI 57 West Rocks Road 901 Route 10 East 240 Madison Avenue 30 Deforest Road West Rocks Road 901 Route 10 East 240 Madison Av Road campus is not The WPSLI BEGINNING alk, CT 06851 New York, NY 10016 Whippany, NJ 07981 Dix Hills, NY 11746 Norwalk, CT 06851 Whippany, NJ 07981 New York, NY 10016 Dix Hills, NY 11746 ISLAND associated with campus is not -229-0465 973-500-6480 212-719-5598 x2213 641-638-2705 973-500-6480 646-869-4600 646-869-4600 631-779-2400 the Half Hollow affiliated with instonPrepCT @WPTransitions @WinstonPrepNJ @WinstonPrepLI SEPT 2018 @WinstonPrepCT @WinstonPrepNJ @WPTransitions @WinstonPrepLI Hills Central CT

APPLY NOW www.winstonprep.edu | |liadmissions@winstonprep.edu APPLY NOW www.winstonprep.edu liadmissions@winstonprep.edu 34

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The Winston The Winston Preparatory Preparatory School does not School does not discriminate discriminate against applicants against applicants and students on the basisand students on of race, color, or the basis of race, national or ethniccolor, or national origin.

the Half Hollow School District. Hills Central School district.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry, specializes in dental services for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment. . Our patient’s comfort is our top priority. We go above and beyond to ensure your experience with us is exceptional.   Our team of doctors only treat patients under anesthesia, making us an outstanding option for your child’s dental needs.   Board certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists.   Comprehensive dental treatment is completed in one visit.   Treatment plans tailored to fit your child’s dental needs.   Most insurance plans accepted.

5 1 6 - 3 1 7 - 2 4 7 6 • w w w. t o o t h p i l l o w n y. c o m 275 Park Avenue, Suite 340, Huntington NY Dr. Abra DiLisio Dr. Jessica Levy

Dr. Ester Levine Pincus Dr. Raquel Rozdolski

Sedation Based Pediatric Dental Specialists LongIslandParent 35

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

AT THE CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB 8325 JERICHO TURNPIKE, WOODBURY, NY 11797

7:00PM - 11:00PM

Honoring

Long Island Office Managing Partner ALLAN COHEN OF NIXON PEABODY, LLP

Emcee

STEVE HARPER Radio Host LIVE MUSIC BY DECADIA EXTENDED COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND DESSERT SPONSORSHIP AND TICKETING INFORMATION CONTACT MINDY KNAFFO AT EVENTS@VCLC.ORG OR CALL 516.921.7171 EXT. 2144 36

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter and never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on All Kids Fair (No. 2 on our list).

APRIL

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

nyme

com/c

ents. ropar

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

nassaucal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR 38

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Special Needs

Movers & Shakers, Fun Fairs & Festivals

Holiday Fun

Show Time!, Smarty Pants

Mini Musicians

The Great Outdoors

Crafty Kids

Once Upon a Time

Animal Lovers, Little Foodies

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month! Macy’s Flower Show FREE

WHEN: Through April 7: Monday-Saturday, 10am10pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Macy’s, 100-104 W. 35th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Journey to Paradisios gives visitors a glimpse of the cosmos reimagined through flowers and garden landscapes. WHY WE LOVE IT: Special in-store events include floral, food, and fashion demonstrations, and celebrity appearances. WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

All Kids Fair

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Bring the kids for a day of fun, including a bounce house, popcorn, photo booth, cotton candy, face painting, balloon animals, cosplay, and a petting zoo with sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens. Take a photo with QuackerJack from the Long Island Ducks, see and feed live butterflies, and touch an 8-foot snake. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be more than 80 exhibitors, plus tons of kids’ classes. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children 2 and younger. 516-621-1446. allkidsfair.com.

‘Junie B. Jones’

WHEN: April 6-13, Saturdays, 11am WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Sneak a peek into the “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal” of the outspoken and lovable Junie B. Jones. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show is just 50 minutes, followed by a meet-andgreet with the cast. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

59th Annual Easter Egg Hunt FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10am-1pm WHERE: Long Beach Parks & Recreation, Magnolia Boulevard and the Bay, Long Beach AGES: All WHAT: Bring a basket, participate in an Easter egg hunts organized by age, and win prizes. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children can also enter a jellybean guessing contest! WANT TO GO? 516-431-3890. longbeachny.gov/rec. 38

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

PJ Masks Live!

WHEN: April 12-14, Friday, 6pm; Saturday, 10:30am, 2pm, and 5:30pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE! Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, Uniondale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Watch Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko along with their new friend, PJ Robot, as they try to save the day from the sneaky villains. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show is complete with your favorite music and brand-new songs you’ve never heard before. WANT TO GO? $28.50 and up. 516-744-6308. nycblive.com.

Dinosaur Daze

WHEN: April 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn from dinosaur experts, see and touch real fossils and replicas, play dinosaur dress-up, try the “fossil” dig, do a dinosaur craft, take a picture with life-size Coelophysis, and see life-size Hadrosaur’s leg and skull. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can watch the film Prehistoric Planet to discover even more about dinos! WANT TO GO? $5 ages 4 and older; free for members. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

17th Annual Astronomy & Space Day

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 9:30am-5pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the universe with solar telescopes, digitarium programs (star lab), demos, hands-on science activities, and make-and-take projects. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can check out Apollo artifacts and create a star wheel to help you locate the constellations. WANT TO GO? $9-$20. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

Big Apple Circus

33rd Annual Arbor Day Family Festival

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The 2019 Arbor Day Family Festival features live music, children’s crafts, activities, tree climbing for children, and plant clinics. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will think it’s cool to plant trees with Smokey Bear! WANT TO GO? $20 per vehicle. 516-922-8600. plantingfields.org.

Sensational Kids (Autism Exclusive)

WHEN: Through July 29: Mondays, 6-8pm WHERE: Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: Bounce and play in a sensory-friendly and accommodating environment. WHY WE LOVE IT: Staff members have experience working with the special needs community. WANT TO GO? $12 for 60 minutes; $18 for 90 minutes; $24 for 120 minutes; $3 non-slip socks. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS Easter Bunny Cares FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 10-11am WHERE: Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway Mall, Hicksville AGES: All WHAT: People with special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session with the Easter Bunny. WANT TO GO? 516-822-6336. atbroadwaycommons.com.

Nassau BOCES 2019 Annual Transition Expo FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Nassau BOCES Center for Community Adjustment, 2850 N. Jerusalem Road, Wantagh AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn how to prepare your child for success beyond high school to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living options. Meet with more than 40 agencies, disability service representatives, and colleges. WANT TO GO? 516-396-2989. nassauboces.org/transitionexpo.

Time for Play FREE

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

WHEN: April 26-28, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: See this special production of Big Apple Circus designed specifically for the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s everything we’ve come to expect from this onering show—intimate and artistic style with astounding human feats. WANT TO GO? $29.50 and up. 516-247-5200. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2-4pm WHERE: Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave., Merrick AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy open play and sensory exploration for all abilities. WANT TO GO? 516-377-6112. merricklibrary.org.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Chess Nuts Unite FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Play a game of chess and enjoy plenty of snacks. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Model Train Show FREE

WHEN: April 6-7, daily, 11am-4pm WHERE: TMB Model Train Club, 120 Schmitt Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: See a 4,000 square-foot model railroad with 10 trains and the club’s famous underground subway system. WANT TO GO? 516-660-8099. tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Just Moms FREE

WHEN: Through April 15: Mondays, 1-2pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: Adult WHAT: Meet other parents of babies and share ideas and concerns. WANT TO GO? 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.

The IKEA Family Spring Break Event FREE

WHEN: April 19-22, Friday and Monday, 11am-2pm WHERE: IKEA Long Island, 1100 Broadway Mall, Hicksville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Create a work of art at Spin Art and get a green thumb at Plant a Seed. WANT TO GO? 888-888-4532. info.ikea-usa.com.

Poetry for the Soul (an Open Mic Night) FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Sign up for a 5-minute slot to read a poem, tell a story, sing, or express yourself. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Playtime FREE

WHEN: April 2-30, select Tuesdays, 10-11am WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your little one to play at the library. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org. ›› LongIslandParent 39

Community Passover Seder

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 7pm WHERE: Town of Oyster Bay Chabad, 678 Woodbury Road, Woodbury AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an insightful Seder, four-course gourmet Passover cuisine, hand-baked matzo, and an international wine selection. WANT TO GO? $54; $18 child. 347-853-9992. jewishtob.org.

Community Seder

HOLIDAY FUN Inflatable Easter Eggs

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Decorate inflatable eggs with permanent markers. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Easter Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 11:45am-1pm WHERE: Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: Children participating in the parade will receive filled Easter eggs. WANT TO GO? 516-679-1875. bellmorechamber.com.

Easter Bunny Brunch

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10am and 12pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take a photo with the Easter Bunny and Stew’s costumed characters. WANT TO GO? $14.99; $11.99 children 11 and younger. 516-3949001. stewleonards.com.

Palm Sunday Brunch

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 2-4pm WHERE: Glen Cove Mansion, 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Easter with brunch, an egg hunt, and the Mansion Bunny. WANT TO GO? $59; $29 children 4-12; free for children 3 and younger. 516-621-1446. glencovemansion.com.

The Passover Experience

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 10am-12pm WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 111 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Matzo, grape juice, Passover stories, games, and playtime for the kids. WANT TO GO? $18 per child. 631-845-3804. woodkingdomwest.com.

Easter Egg Hunt Eggs-Travaganza FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 4pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Each egg contains prizes such as candy, board games, toys, and gift cards. WANT TO GO? 516-394-9001. stewleonards.com. 40

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: April 19-20, Friday, 7:45pm; Saturday, 7:15pm WHERE: Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh, 2174 Hewlett Ave., Suite 101, Merrick AGES: All WHAT: Seder with matzo, four cups of wine, and a gourmet Passover dinner. WANT TO GO? $45 per night; $25 children 4-12. 516-833-3057. chabadjewishlife.org.

Easter Family Paint & Brunch

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 3-5:30pm WHERE: RH Studios, 238 B Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the day with family and friends with good food and art. WANT TO GO? $20-$35. 516-599-2310. rhstudiosny.com.

Maria’s House First Annual Easter Celebration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 1-4pm WHERE: Roosevelt/Freeport EOC of Nassau County Inc., 281 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet-style meal, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-546-6121. eoc-nassau.org.

Easter Egg Hunt for Toddlers

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 10am-12pm WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 111 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: An Easter egg hunt just for toddlers, with mini bagels and juice. WANT TO GO? $18 per child. 631-845-3804. woodkingdomwest.com.

Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 1-3pm and 4-6pm WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 111 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join the Easter Bunny for this indoor egg hunt with pizza and juice. WANT TO GO? $18 per child. 631-845-3804. woodkingdomwest.com.

Easter Sunday

WHEN: Sunday, April 21, 11am WHERE: The Milleridge Inn, 585 N. Broadway, Jericho AGES: All WHAT: An Easter Sunday meal, egg hunt, face painting, DJ, and more WANT TO GO? Prix fixe: $54.95, $28.95 children 2-12; buffet: $57.95, $29.95 children. 516-931-2201. milleridgeinn.com.

Celebrate Easter At Swan Club On The Harbor

WHEN: Sunday, April 21, 10:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Swan Club On The Harbor, 90 Glenwood Road, Roslyn AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Easter and enjoy a delicious buffet, photos with the Easter Bunny, and Easter egg hunt. WANT TO GO? $49.95; $29.95 children 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-621-7600. swanclub.com.

MINI

MUSICIANS

Kid’s Stuff With Previous ExperienceTM

We Buy, Sell And Trade Gently Used Items!

Bring in your nearly new kid’s stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted.

Shoes and Accessories • Casual and Dress Shoes • Sleepwear

Play Hooray FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 2, 10:30am WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Preschoolers will enjoy music and other activities. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Tuney Tots FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 10:30am WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a musical morning with Tuney Tots. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

A Time for Kids - Baby FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 5, 9:45-10:15am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Have fun with your child in this creative music and movement class. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Music & Art Together at The Dolphin FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2-4pm WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop, 299 Main St., Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Jimi Durso accompanies Robyn Bellospirito at her art opening. WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.

WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON CHILDREN'S APPAREL

All equipment and toys must be less than 5 years old and not to be recalled

Furniture • Changing Tables & Dressers • Bassinets & Cradles • Glider Rockers, Book Cases, Toy Boxes

Books and Toys • Children’s Books • Infant-Preschool Toys • Outdoor Toys • Puzzles

Clothing • Newborn to Size 14 (0-12 months must have tags) • Play Clothes • Dresswear & Outerwear

Equipment

• High Chairs & Swings • Gates • Pack N Plays, Bouncy Seats, Walkers, Exersaucers

Used Items Buy Back Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1pm Visit our Website at onceuponachildseaford.com

516-579-4200 1089 Hicksville Road, Seaford 1/4 Mile North of Southern State Parkway (exit 29N, Rte. 107) Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm Clothing must be in good condition, of current style, freshly laundered and neatly organized in boxes or other folding containers. Toys, equipment and furniture items must include all original parts, be clean and in good working condition, and meet all industry safety standards. Because the safety of children is a top priority of Once Upon a Child, we are unable to purchase recalled or retrofitted products. We reserve the right to refuse items based on condition, current inventory levels and past experience.

St Christopher School 15 Pershing Boulevard Baldwin, NY 11510

Mother Goose FREE

WHERE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: A program of finger-plays, songs, and nursery rhymes. WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Toddler Play FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A play program which wraps up with songs and finger plays. WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Musical Medley FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 17, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Will it be a lip-sync battle? Karaoke? Who knows? But you’ll have fun! WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Spring Break Musical Play-Along!

WHEN: April 22-26, Monday-Friday, 10:15-11am and 11:30am-12:15pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A springtime celebration of instruments, songs, and stories. WANT TO GO? $12 first child; $10 sibling; free for babies younger than 9 months. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com. ››

FAITH MEETS

LEARNING

Where Faith Meets Learning

For 90 years St. Christopher School has been providing quality Catholic education to young people. Full Day Program Available for Nursery and Pre-K Half Day can Still be an Option!

Pre-K through Grade 8 • After School Activities • Before & After Care

Principal: Mrs. Anne Lederer Open Registration | Call any time for a tour

(516) 223-4404 | www.stchris-school.org

LOOKING FOR

GREAT DEALS?

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy! Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

LongIslandParent 41

Spring Has Sprung! Flower Garden FREE

WHEN: April 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop in and make a beautiful spring craft. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Eggstra Special Bunny

CRAFTY KIDS

Twice as Nice: Two Mother-Daughter Crafts FREE

WHEN: Monday, April 8, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Construct a foam bunny for Easter. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Drop-In Earth Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day and create a craft made of reusable materials. WANT TO GO? 516-239-3262 x211. peninsulapublic.org.

WHEN: Monday, April 1, 6:30pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Daughters will work together with their mothers to create some lovely crafts. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Dia/Piñata Making: Family Event FREE

TAB: Canvas Painting with Claynation FREE

ARTful Adventures

WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 7-8pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Paint a colorful zebra canvas painting to be donated. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Just 2 Fun FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 5, 10:30am WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 2 WHAT: A program designed just for 2-year-olds, in which they make simple crafts and play together. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Kids Workshop: Birdhouse FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Encourage a love of birds in this hands-on workshop in which you and your child build a birdhouse. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

Heckscher Family Hour Tour and Art Activities

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 11am-12pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: You and your family will create a piñata. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org. WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery, Hofstra University, 1000 Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create Moon Mandalas and imagine how quiet a trip to the moon would be. WANT TO GO? $9 day of; $7 in advance. 516-463-7200. hofstra.edu.

Over the Rainbow! Craft FREE

WHEN: April 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop in and make a beautiful rainbow craft. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Box Party FREE

WHEN: April 4-18, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: The library will have cardboard boxes of all sizes available for children to stack and play in. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 1-2pm WHERE: Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experience the current exhibitions through close observation, conversation, and hands-on gallery projects. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children; free admission for members. 631-3513250. heckscher.org.

All Ears! Bunny Basket FREE

Spring Craft

WHEN: Tuesday, April 23, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Make art using colorful sand and markers. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 1-3pm WHERE: Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: Create unique art projects on ceramic bisque-ware. WANT TO GO? $45; $40 members. 516-829-2570. goldcoastarts.org. 42

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop in and make an adorable bunny basket. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Animal Sand Art Craft

Teen Vacation Fun with Party Art FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Combine clay and paint to create a Van Gogh “Starry Night” piece. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Darlings & Divas Drop Off Spa Day

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 10am-1pm WHERE: Krafty Hands, 49 Ira Road, Syosset AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop off your diva for a day of pampering and fun! WANT TO GO? $45. 631-608-4710. funcraftny.com.

Painting Party Presented by Key to My Art FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 4-5pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join for a step-by-step painting class and bring home your own painting. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Feed the Birds

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make and take a birdfeeder. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Cartooning Workshop FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2-3pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join Ed Klein as he teaches cartooning and drawing techniques. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Shell Art

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Make beautiful creations using seashells. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Paint LOL Pets or Marvel Comics

WHEN: April 22-25, Monday-Thursday, 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Key to My Art East Rockaway, 131 Main St., East Rockaway AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Paint Madame Pup and Unipony (morning session) or Spider-Man and Iron Man (afternoon session) with step-by-step instruction. WANT TO GO? $20. 516-218-2920. keytomyart.com.

Nature Impressions Craft

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Make a cool keepsake of all things nature. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Hands on History Spring Break

WHEN: April 23-26, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Children will play games, practice military drills, and choose from various craft projects. WANT TO GO? $14. 631-930-9054. obvrnassau.com.

Spring Break Open Studio

WHEN: April 22-26, Monday-Friday, 10-11:30am and 12:30-2pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join for homemade dragon eggs, rainbow geyser pools, spring fairies and elves, and butterfly symmetry art. WANT TO GO? $24 first child; $10 sibling. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.

Easter Break Slime Week

WHEN: April 22-26, Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm WHERE: The Lanyard Ladies, 433 Merrick Road, Oceanside AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make slime and add gems, jewels, sparkles, and beads. WANT TO GO? $150 for five days; $35 per day. 516-578-2248. thelanyardladies.com.

Studio Saturdays

WHEN: April 6-27, Saturdays, 12-3pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Drop in for hands-on activities inspired by current exhibitions. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors ages 62 and older; $4 children ages 4-12 and students with ID; free for members and children younger than 4. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

Family Sundays

WHEN: April 7-28, Sundays, 1-4:30pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Take time to reconnect while talking about and making art together with your child. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors ages 62 and older; $4 children ages 4-12 and students with ID; free for members and children younger than 4. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

Bricks Rock FREE

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4:30pm WHERE: Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Enjoy Lego fan models, contests, free-building zones, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-921-7161. syossetlibrary.org.

You Are Sweet! Cupcake Card FREE

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop in and make a sweet card for your teacher. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Krafty Kiddies FREE

WHEN: April 9-30, select Tuesdays, 10-10:45am WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A story and craft program for toddlers and an accompanying adult. WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Made with Love FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Wednesdays, 11:30am WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This knitting and crocheting group welcomes all. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org. ››

LongIslandParent 43

Beach Discovery Program

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 11am, 1pm, 3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the shoreline for snails, mussels, and crabs. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Dog Tales FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 11:15am-12:15pm WHERE: Oyster Bay East Norwich Public Library, 89 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Kids get time reading to therapy dogs, which improves comprehension and enjoyment. WANT TO GO? 516-922-1212. oysterbaylibrary.org.

Animals of Spring: Stories and Art FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Listen to spring stories and sponge paint an animal collage. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Wild In Our Backyard FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 4pm WHERE: Hillside Public Library, 155 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy live presentations of animals that live on Long Island. WANT TO GO? 516-355-7850. hillsidelibrary.info.

Earth Day Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 12-5pm WHERE: Tackapausha Museum and Preserve, 2225 Washington Ave., Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day with live animal presentations, hikes, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $10. 516-571-7443. nassaucountyny.gov.

Chestnut Tree Planting

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 1:30pm WHERE: Tackapausha Museum and Preserve, 2225 Washington Ave., Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live animal presentations, meet a naturalist from the American Chestnut Foundation, and go on a trail walk to plant seedlings. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-571-7443. nassaucountyny.gov.

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny

WHEN: Through April 14: Sundays, 7-8pm WHERE: Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Bring your furry friend for photos with the Easter Bunny. WANT TO GO? Photo packages available to purchase. 516-742-8001. simon.com.

Bird-House Craft

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Make a birdhouse using recycled materials to see how birds build nests. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com. 44

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

LITTLE FOODIES Saturday Story Time: Healthy Choices FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 12-12:30pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get familiar with healthy foods through stories and activities. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Spring Cupcake Decorating FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 4-5pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Use icing, coconut, and more, to create a beautiful and tasty treat. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Family Fun with Chefs of d’Future FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 6-7pm and 7:30-8:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate spring by making something sweet with your family! WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Teen Taco Party with Chef Rob Scott FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 7-8pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens build their own tacos and play fun games. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Chefs of d’Future Family Event FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2-3:30pm and 3:15-4:15pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by making salsa, guacamole, and chips. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

WSGC_EducationIssue_Jan2019_QTR 3/22/2019 3:01 PM Page 1

MOVERS & SHAKERS Freeplay Friday FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 5, 6-7pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play games on the PlayStation4, Nintendo Switch, and more! WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Yoga 4 Teens FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 5-6pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Bring clothing, a yoga mat or towel, and a water bottle. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

TheWALDORF SCHOOL of GARDEN CITY A co-ed college preparatory day school serving early childhood through grade 12 Learn how our curriculum awakens students to the experience of knowledge, strengthens their sense of moral responsibility, and empowers them to act with courage and conviction.

Family Fun: Giant Game Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of playing giant board games. WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Imagination Playground FREE

WHEN: Monday, April 22, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Play with this mobile block-based system that transforms children’s minds through active, creative, and collaborative play. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE Grades 4 & 5 Open Class Morning Wednesday, April 3rd 8:00-10:00am (by appt only)

Grade 9 Open Class Morning Wednesday, April 17th 8:00-10:00am (by appt only)

Grades 4-12 Open House Wednesday, May 8th 8:30am

Come and see for yourself!

Schedule your visit at www.waldorfgarden.org/admissions Unable to attend an Open House? Call 516-742-3434 ext. 302 for additional opportunities.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SUMMER 2019 MONDAY - FRIDAY PROGRAM July 1-26, 2019 | 9:00am to 3:30pm

38th Annual Asbury Short Film Concert

WHEN: Friday, April 5, 7:30pm WHERE: The Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Classic shorts and new international festival winners. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Grades 4-12 Open House Wednesday, April 10th 8:30am

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

Hofstra Summer Camps Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 12-2pm WHERE: Hofstra University Physical Ed. Building, 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn about camps and enjoy inflatables, face painting, and games WANT TO GO? 516-463-2267. hofstra.edu/camps.

Wantagh Spring Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, Wantagh Train Station and Sunrise Highway, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: More than 70 vendors, inflatable rides, live entertainment, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-644-5615. wantagh.li/kiwanis.

Kids Fest 2019 FREE

WHEN: April 26-28, Friday, 6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Merrick Chamber of Commerce, Merrick Avenue and Broadcast Plaza, Merrick AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy amazing vendors, rides, and food. WANT TO GO? 516-771-1171. merrickchamber.org. ››

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 40th annual summer program for gifted children. The summer

program runs on Monday to Friday from July 1-26. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2019. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

LongIslandParent 45

‘The Lion King Jr.’

WHEN: April 18-28, see website for show times WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: An unforgettable group journies from Pride Rock to the jungle. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

The Amazing Max

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 3pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Max combines magic and comedy to defy the laws of physics. WANT TO GO? $15-$25. 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: April 22-May 25, see website for schedule WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Follow Dorothy and friends as they venture to Emerald City. WANT TO GO? $11 advance; $13 two hours before curtain time. 516775-4420. broadhollow.org.

SHOW TIME! ‘The Little Mermaid’

WHEN: Through April 6: select Saturdays, 2pm; select Sundays, 11:30am WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Journey under the sea with Ariel and friends in a magical kingdom. WANT TO GO? $11 advance; $13 two hours before curtain time. 516775-4420. broadhollow.org.

Cardboard Explosion

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Brad Shur transforms cardboard shapes into elaborate puppets. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

A Dream is a Wish Princess Concert

WHEN: April 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 3pm WHERE: The Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Sing-along to Disney songs and meet your favorite princess! WANT TO GO? $15-$25. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

‘Awesome Allie: First Kid Astronaut’

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: An adventure in space at this live musical theater show WANT TO GO? $20; $18 children 2-12 and seniors. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

Family Film: ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 2-4pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: All WHAT: Bring blankets and sleeping bags to watch a movie. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org. 46

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SMARTY PANTS Magnets FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 4:30pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Johnda Ferrari will do experiments with magnets. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Earth Scientist Presented by The Whaling Museum

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 6:15-7pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Try cleaning up an oil spill, testing solutions on oiled feathers, and learning how others help our earth with fun science experiments. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Water Erosion Program

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See a stream table demonstration on how water can quickly change the environment. Includes a short walk to see erosional features. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

New Traveling Exhibit- Sonic Sensation

WHEN: Through May 5: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will experience the sonic world through 14 interactive learning stations to discover key listening skills. WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Art Exhibit: May We All Grow Up to be Children

WHEN: Through May 31: daily, 12-5pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: See this special exhibit celebrating friendship and childhood wonder. WANT TO GO? $10 per car; $4 on foot. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Pond Exploration

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10am-12pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Use nets, buckets, and magnifying lenses for this fun family adventure. WANT TO GO? $20 per car; $10 members per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.

Annual Earth Day Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 12-5pm WHERE: Tackapausha Museum & Preserve, 2225 Washington Ave., Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live wildlife presentations, crafts, trail walks through the preserve. WANT TO GO? $10. 516-571-7443. nassaucountyny.gov.

‘Conserve It or Control It’ Hike

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Go on a guided hike and explore native and invasive animals and plants. WANT TO GO? $9. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Jr. Earth Scientist Presented by The Whaling Museum

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Help keep our oceans clean and design a reusable tote bag. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Spring Wildflower Walk

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Walk around the preserve and discover beautiful wildflowers that only last a short time. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Bird-Walk

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the woods as you discover “field marks,” habitats, and behavior. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

music filmmaking dance theatre art digital media special effects

ARTS OPEN HOUSE ool Sch h g i H

LIHSA offers a unique opportunity for all Nassau & Suffolk County students Grades 9-12 as part of their free, public high school education to talented young artists. The Summer Arts Academy accepts students Grades 6-12.

Astronomy Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 7:30pm WHERE: Sagamore Hill NHS, 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: A presentation on celestial events and stargazing. WANT TO GO? 516-922-4788. nps.gov/sahi.

Apr 13 Open House • 11 AM - 2 PM 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516.622.5678 longislandartshighschool.org

LONG ISLAND

HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE

ARTS

LIHSA is a program of Nassau BOCES

LongIslandParent 47

ONCE UPON A TIME Easter Story Time & Craft at The Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 11:30am WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe, 299 Main St., Port Washington AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Listen to The Golden Egg Book about a bunny and a little duck WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.

Teddy Bear Story Time FREE

EMPLOYERS Moms Make Great Part-Time Staff People LOOKING FOR STAFF? POST YOUR JOB MOMMYBITES.COM/POSTJOB • Admin • Customer Service • Marketing • Sales • Editorial • Other Jobs

WHEN: Monday, April 8, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Wear your pajamas and bring a teddy bear to this story program. WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Stories Come to Life FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 9, 6-7pm WHERE: Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Read a story and do a special craft or have a tasty snack WANT TO GO? 516-465-3953. freeportlibrary.info.

Babytime/Circletime FREE

WHEN: Through April 9: Tuesdays, 10:30-11am WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: This program includes songs, story time, and movement WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Pajama Storytime FREE

WHEN: Through April 11: Thursdays, 7:15pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, and activities for the whole family. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Pre-School Storytime FREE

WHEN: April 1-15, Mondays, 1-1:45pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and 30 minutes of free play! WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Story Time FREE

WHEN: April 3-17, Wednesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Stories, songs, fingerplays, and a craft. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Side by Side Storytime FREE

WHEN: April 11-25, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, music, crafts, and fun with your little ones. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Story Tots

WHEN: April 5-26, Fridays, 10-11am WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Investigate color, shape, form, and texture with art activities based on a new story each week. WANT TO GO? $5 per child; free for members. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org. 48

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

This year’s Earth Day Bazaar will be Grand Bazaar NYC’s second annual event with more vendors creatively using recycled materials and educational nonprofits.

Sustainable Shopping

Courtesy Zeal Images

Support local artists and businesses while showing the Earth a little love at the NYC Earth Day Bazaar. Shop from a variety of independent dealers who use recycled materials to make jewelry, fashion, furniture, art, and home goods, as well as beauty and skincare products, clothing, and children’s toys and accessories made with sustainable, fair-trade materials. Plus, take time to learn how to reduce your footprint and about environmental programs available in the area. Sunday, April 21, 10am-5:30pm. Ages: All. Free. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side. grandbazaarnyc.org.

The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra was founded to bring children from all backgrounds into New York’s famous club for a unique, live jazz experience.

Jam Out to Jazz

What better way to establish an appreciation for music than by starting at a young age? Inspire your little ones to learn an instrument by watching kids close to their age play at Jazz for Kids. The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, a group of musicians ages 11-18, take the stage and jam out while you and your family dance and enjoy a Blue Smoke barbecue brunch. Often, band members will be joined by guest artists from the New York City jazz scene. Sundays, 2pm. Ages: All. Suggested donation: $5. Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., Flatiron; jazzstandard.com.

Courtesy The Jewish Museum

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

The Jewish Museum will host a Passover extravaganza with art, music, and dancing featuring the sounds of ShirLaLa.

The Jewish Museum

Deemed one of the oldest Jewish museums in the world, this institution connects Jewish culture and art for people of all religions and backgrounds with more than 30,000 works of art, objects, and media. Take the kids to the Archaeology Zone where they can learn about artifacts and take on the role of archaeologists to search for clues about objects from ancient times to the present day. Visit it: 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side; thejewishmuseum.org Can’t-miss event: Freedom Art Jam (for Passover): Sunday, April 7, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or a 1-hour, 10-minute LIRR and subway ride from Garden City

Courtesy Pip’s Island

Courtesy Grand Bazaar NYC

By Melissa Wickes

Pip’s Island combines stimulating audiovisual content with original narrative and various exploratory spaces.

Pip’s Island

This one-of-a-kind, immersive experience for kids of all ages combines gaming, animation, and fantasy with actors, puppets, interactive set-pieces, and animated characters. Follow the cast of Pip’s Island as they save the island from darkness using various aspects of STEAM. Kids can ride Pebble’s Cloud Rover, travel underground to outwit moles, or indulge in a treat from Grumble Plum’s Bakery. Visit it: 400 W. 42nd St., Times Square Can’t-miss event: Grand re-opening on April 12; see website for tickets and more Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 15-minute drive or a 50-minute LIRR and subway ride from Garden City LongIslandParent 49

A Birthday Bash for Less

››

You don’t have to break the bank to throw a memorable party for your child. Party planners and parents who’ve been there share their top tips for keeping costs down. By Madeleine Burry

birthday and the accompanying party are a big deal for kids. That’s no surprise—after all, what’s not to love about cake and presents? Thanks to the Internet (and especially Instagram and Pinterest), you can find plenty of inspiration when it’s time to plan your child’s annual celebration. But some of those stunning decor, activity, and food options you’ll spot online require hours of painstaking work—and often, hefty price tags, too. It can be easy to DIY yourself to exhaustion or exceed your budget, but that’s not necessary. “Children will have fun no matter what,” points out Rehaab Zohny, director of operations at Gymtime Rhythm and Glues in Manhattan. If you’re on a budget (of time or money…or both), you can still throw a blowout party—we spoke with moms, dads, and party planning pros, to get their very best tips for hosting a birthday party that’ll deliver Instagram double-taps without breaking the bank.

Take advantage of your location.

If your child was born in a temperate month, you’ve hit the jackpot living in the New York metro area. “For twenty-five dollars, plus a processing fee, you can get a permit for various locations across NYC parks and dress the party to any theme you like,” says Manhattan mom Noelle Pileggi. That’s just one of many outdoor options. You can do a carousel party in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park (with wristbands that get kids unlimited rides), suggests Louise Simon, a Brooklyn mom of two. For years, Paul Lyren checked the calendar for Brooklyn street fairs scheduled near his son’s birthday—especially ones with bouncy castles. “For a smoking ten-dollar bill you buy your kid a wristband that lets them bounce all day. So, a ten-kid party costs a hundred dollars, plus a cake and pizza, and you are out for under a hundred and fifty dollars!” Lyren says. You can also petition the city to close down your street, then rent a bouncy castle yourself, he adds. 50

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

There are still plenty of options for kids born in colder months: try the skating rink, a bowling alley, or hand out a roll of quarters to each attendee at an arcade. Or, go DIY-free and head to a party destination. This can offer some real perks. For one, you don’t need to worry about setup—or cleanup, Zohny notes. Another option is to host at home. An indoor, at-home party means you won’t need to have a weather back-up plan.

Figure out a theme.

A theme really ties the party together, says Julie Ontaneda of My Classic Party, an event planning and styling company in Rye. That’s true even if it’s very simple, such as a color or your kid’s favorite things, she says. “A theme allows for simple touches, like theme-named food items, that are Pinterest-worthy and memorable without breaking the bank,” Ontaneda says. Save more by going all out in only a few select areas, she recommends. You can also encourage guests to get involved, suggests Amy Spielholtz, a Manhattan mom. For her daughter’s birthday, the theme was The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, and guests were encouraged to dress as their favorite Back to the Future character or sea creature. “We were surprised by how many people got into it and it made things so much more festive as a result,” Spielholz says.

Choose an activity.

An activity is often the priciest aspect of a party, Ontaneda says, so start there, then see what’s left in your budget. If you’re doing the event at a destination, this step may already be taken care of. If not, you can hire someone, or figure out a fun, age-appropriate activity. “When it comes to entertainment, do a treasure hunt. It can last a long time, the treasure can be things on the less expensive side, and the children will have a ball. Play musical chairs or musical statues—fun doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Lucy Harris, mom and CEO of Hello Baby Bump, which is based in Queens.

In fact, doing too many activities, and overly complicated ones, can lead to a party that feels rushed and chaotic, Zohny says. “Keep it basic and simple for the best outcome,” she recommends. And remember: An activity can sometimes outlast the big event. “I wanted some type of activity, but I wasn’t looking to pay for an entertainer or rent equipment,” Spielholtz says—so for around a hundred dollars, she bought a ball pit holder and hundreds of balls online. She says she sees it as an investment—the ball pit is stashed at her daughter’s grandparents’ house for occasional play, and it will be available to use again at birthday parties for several years to come.

Trim your guest list.

It’s tempting to invite all your friends, along with your kid’s whole class. Resist! Keeping the guest list trimmed down means fewer decorations, fewer cupcakes, and fewer supplies, Harris says. “Keep the guest list small, figure out the maximum number you want, and talk with your child about who they want,” Harris says. But if you really crave a big bash (or if your kid’s school or day care requires that every kid get invited), “consider a joint party with a friend,” Ontaneda suggests. It’s “half the cost and double the fun!” Consider skipping paper invites, too, Harris urges, and opt for text messages and Facebook invites instead.

Beneﬁt from other parents’ parties.

Party supplies await on Facebook marketplace and local Facebook groups, says Kristin Fuerst, mom of two. “You can often find someone unloading their used (but perfectly fine) party stuff at a big discount, and you might be able to score some cool things you might not otherwise have been able or willing to spring for,” Fuerst says. Let your friends lend a hand, too. Nearly any parent will understand that you don’t always have the space to stash endless chairs and other v big items. Borrow items from friends and family, and “when people offer to help out, there is nothing wrong accepting it,” Harris says.

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

If you’re stressed, it’ll show. Same goes if you’re enjoying yourself. “If you’re having a good time, your guests will have a good time,” Zohny says. Bottom line: few people will remember the decor and cake. What’ll stick is if the event is fun. “Remember, it’s for the children! Make sure they are having fun and you are there every step of the party enjoying just as much as they are. They only turn this age once!” Zohny says. Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents. com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their cat.

Mommy & Me Time Pre School Open Play

Birthday Parties • Theme Parties • Indoor Play Area • Add-ons Available

SUMMER CAMP!

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE

NOW OPEN IN MERRICK! As You Wish Parties

is ready to plan your next Birthday Party! We offer: Spa Party Packages, Paint Parties, Slime Parties and more!

Looking for your next Girl Scout event or Fundraiser?

Give As You Wish a Call! For more information visit:

asyouwishparties.org or call 516.590.7878 59 Merrick Ave, Merrick NY 11566

HE'S A ROCK STAR!

Birthday Parties Summer Camp Drop Off Center

Pre School (Ages 20m–4yrs) • Half Day Program • Academics • Arts & Crafts • Certiﬁed Teachers • Learning Centers

(Ages 20mos–7yrs) 9am–2pm

CAMP OPEN HOUSE

• Arts & Crafts • Science • Sports • Fine Arts • In House Trips • Fun Activities!

CATCH HIS ACT IN OUR DAILY SEA LION SHOWS! Don’t miss the show! Watch him clap, roar and soar through the air as his caretakers explain why teaching him husbandry behaviors are so important!

APRIL 6 & 13 | 11AM–2PM

(Must register 6 weeks or more minimum 3 days a week)

431 E. Main St, Riverhead, NY 631.208.9200, ext. 426 Visit LongIslandAquarium.com!

310 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 (516)294-0111

www.kiddieplayland.com

Join for Easutes r Bru & Schnoch Breakol Week!

KiddiePlayland

Closed losed Christmas & Thanksgiving. *Admission must be used within 7 days of your birthday. No exceptions and no refunds for previously purchased tickets. Valid ID is required. No ID no admittance. Birthday offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Good for 2019.

LongIslandParent 51 Sea Lion LI PARENT 3.55X4.7 2019.indd 1

3/21/19 11:13 AM

Birthday Party Directory Birthday Party Entertainment

Clowns.com

Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000, 718-971-5862 clowns.com At Clowns.com, our goal is to create an unforgettable and memorable party experience for you and your family. We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

Birthday Party Places

@ Play Amusements

229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at @ Play Amusements! It offers 40,000-square-feet of fun ranging from arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, a roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, laser tag, and five glow-inthe-dark private party rooms! It even provides all the paper goods, invites, thank-you notes, food, and a private hostess!

As You Wish Parties

418A Bedford Ave., Bellmore 516-590-7878 asyouwishparties.org/index.html Whether your child is a toddler or a tween, As You Wish Parties make your child’s party dreams come true. Our welcoming staff will help you choose from many party themes that include Pretty Princess, Knightly Knights, Traditional Tea, PJ Party, Rock Star and Superheroes, Dessert Party, or Kids Canvas Painting.

BACH TO ROCK Music School

1015 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington

516-441-5526 portwashington.bachtorock.com portwashington@bachtorock.com At Bach To Rock music school, our Karaoke Party-Rock Star Party will have everyone recording in a state-of-the-art studio. Ages 7 to adult. Or plan a Rock City Party for your budding rock star ages 4-6! This action-packed party allows kids to explore rock ‘n’ roll instruments up close.

Be The Best Sport

30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-453-0990 bethebestsport.org info@bethebestsport.org Be The Best Sport provides sport birthday parties for children with special needs. Our qualified staff will make sure your son or daughter has a once in a lifetime experience! Please contact us to inquire about a birthday party!

BounceU Farmingdale

101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement. Private parties are meticulously planned and

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

prepared by our knowledgeable staff, so parents can relax and enjoy themselves.

Celebrations In The Kitchen

63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org info@cshfishhatchery.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the Hatchery & Aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter. Fishing Parties are available for children turning age 4 and older.

Gravity Vault Melville Indoor Rock Gym

40 Melville Park Road 516-777-9255 gravityvault.com/locations/melville-ny melville@gravityvault.com Host a birthday party with The Gravity Vault where ages 5 and older can come climb and have fun. Climbing is a great way to celebrate your birthday! Our awesome climbing parties give kids an exciting day they will never forget! Offering different party package options to accommodate your needs.

Great Play of Syosset

180 Michael Drive, Syosset 516-364-1500 greatplay.com/syosset info@syosset.greatplay.com Our award-winning, high-energy parties are truly spectacular events, and we make your child the star of the show! Your guests will have a blast and your child will receive all-star treatment in our amazing Interactive Gym™. We offer customized parties for ages 1-10.

Huntington Center for Performing Arts

310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com/category/theater huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dance-themed birthday parties. Our staff will help you be creative with your theme; your choice of ballerina, nutcracker, soldier, princess, or sugar plum fairy! As a special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests!

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-akind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30

Key to My Art, Inc.

10 W. Oak St., Amityville 131 Main St., East Rockaway 877-539-2278 keytomyart.com Celebrate your child’s birthday with us at Key to My Art! Your child chooses what the group paints. They can choose any theme, character, animal, or place. Parties include all supplies from aprons to easels, plus step-by-step instruction, pizza, and juice for all the children. Everyone leaves with a finished painting.

Kiddie Playland

310 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-294-0111 kiddieplayland.com Celebrate your child’s special day at our eco-friendly, indoor playspace and enjoy watching your child have lots of fun. Three packages available with free invitations, pizza and drinks, playtime, games, and dancing! We make it easy and affordable for you to celebrate like never before!

The Lanyard Ladies

433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com; info@thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their party place! Learn to make your favorite friendship bracelets and lanyard stitches. Many amazing themes and packages. We will customize any birthday party to fit your needs.

The Little Ladies Club

246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com; party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been dedicated to making birthday parties extra special for more than 18 years! Your two-hour party includes a mini makeover, Red Carpet Fashion Show, Tea Party with pizza and drinks, and dazzling dance time. Party favors and invitations included too!

Long Island Aquarium

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426) or 631-208-9200 x125 longislandaquarium.com Have your child’s birthday party at the Long Island Aquarium. Party options include a choice of private rooms, select food items, and ice cream cake. All parties include a guided tour of the aquarium, special seating at the Sea Lion Show, and rides on the submarine simulator!

Long Island Nets

NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba.com Long Island Nets birthday party packages are a great way to celebrate your next birthday. Receive exclusive gear and birthday shoutouts.

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym & Early Childcare Education Center A Rainbow Of Programs Under One Roof! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore 516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. is the ultimate weekend children’s party venue! We offer a rainbow of themes, specialties, and activities customized for your child’s next birthday celebration. Try an all-inclusive Beach Blast, Princess Tea Party, or Super Heroes theme, and add a character or moon-bouncer to play in our spacious gyms.

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjustart.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and older. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. We customize the fun to your child’s interest!

Saf-T-Swim

2050 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore 516-557-2114 625 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-538-6900 Located inside New York Sports Club 210 Gardiners Ave., Levittown 516-597-5193 1 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-519-8787 3194 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside, 516-442-2825 570 Main St., Westbury 516-876-0848 saf-t-swim.com

A Saf-T-Swim pool party is a great way to celebrate year-round!

You and 24 guests will enjoy two hours or more of fun in our 88-degree heated pools, followed by a celebration with pizza in your own private party room. Invitations, party host, a lifeguard, and thank-you cards included.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park-Deer Park

111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park 631-392-2600 skyzone.com/deerpark deerparkinfo@skyzone.com The best birthday parties are always at Sky Zone, Deer Park, Long Island. We customize every birthday party to create your party, your way. We have themed parties and super hero parties. We offer Dodgeball, Foam Zone, Sky Slam, and endless jumping opportunities. Private trampoline courts are available.

Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy

Make your next birthday party come to life by hosting it at Bounce U!

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com;tsh@tshcamp.com Birthdays are more fun with horses and friends! Ride, play, and have exclusive use of our party room! Children receive one hour of riding time taught by one of our certified ride instructors who will teach them a funfilled beginner lesson. Our facilities allow parties to run rain or shine!

$3 OFF

• Private Party Experience • Giant Inflatable Rides • Dedicated Party Pros • Easy to Do • We Clean Up!

One Admission to Open Bounce! Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offer or discounts. No Cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Expires 6/30/19.

$25 OFF Plus 3 FREE Additional Kids with a Premier or a Spec-Tac-U-Lar Party.

Unlimited Sports Action

30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675 unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer one hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room.

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One Coupon per visit per party. Expires 6/30/19.

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735

B I R T H D AY P A C K A G E $400 PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 15 tickets (free for birthday kid) • Swag bag for the birthday kid, includes an exclusive birthday gift • Giveaway bag for all kids in party

• Postgame group photo on the court with Dale the Eagle • Scoreboard birthday shout-out • All kids in the party get to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience

CONTACT GROUP SALES AT: GROUPSALES@LONGISLANDNETS.COM OR 844 .LINETS.1

LongIslandParent 53

raising kids baby

Potty Training 101

››

Getting your kids out of diapers can be a frustrating—but ultimately rewarding—task. Here’s how to make the experience as smooth as possible. By Barbara Russo

otty training is a big step in your child’s development. It’s a very important milestone for both you and your toddler. But how do you know it’s time for your little one to make the transition from diapers to toilet? We spoke to some potty-training experts, and they agree that watching for the signs is key. “The biggest factor contributing to the success of potty training is the readiness of the child. The average age of readiness varies between twenty-two and thirty months,” says Devan Van LanenWanek, M.D., of Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park. “Some subtle signs that your kid wants to learn how to use the toilet are showing interest in other people’s bathroom habits and expressing disgust at their dirty diapers.” Additionally, your child needs to be able to hold her bodily functions, communicate her need to go, undress and redress, and wash her hands on her own, Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says. So now that you’ve established a solid foundation of readiness, here are some tips to keep in mind for making the potty-training experience a smooth one for both you and your child.

Don’t Force It

Pressuring your child to begin potty training before he’s ready 54

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

can be disastrous. “One study found that initiation of toilet training before twentyseven months was not associated with earlier completion of toilet training success,” Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says. “This suggests there is little benefit to starting before this age.” But if your child shows signs of readiness before, there’s no harm in starting then.

Don’t Get Frustrated

Keep in mind that the process of potty training can take a long time and have many ups and downs. “The average length of toilet training is six to seven months, tends to be longer for boys than girls, and also longer in first-born children than subsequent children,” Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says. “Remember that every kid is unique and develops at their own pace.”

Be Consistent

Once you move out of diapers, it’s important not to go back, says Wendy Goldstein, a teacher at the 92Y Parenting Center in Manhattan. “Know that there will be accidents, and it’s not a big deal,” Goldstein says. “When a child does have an accident, it helps her understand what it’s like to be wet. The goal is to try to get her to understand what’s happening. Children don’t generally like the

feeling of being wet, so this trains them for what their bodies need.” Jody Bernstein, another teacher at the 92Y Parenting Center, adds that when accidents do happen, encourage your child to help you clean up. “You may need to set aside some time to focus on toilet training for a weekend or holiday break,” Bernstein suggests. “Stay close to home as you work on this. Let your child be naked or wear just underpants.”

Make a Tool Kit

One of the biggest challenges of potty training is figuring out how to prevent accidents. They’re messy, time-consuming situations that no parent is thrilled to deal with. “To alleviate this, parents need to make sure they have all the supplies needed to be successful, as well as a clear plan of action before they begin, rather than the ‘let’s just wing it’ approach,” says Kaylee Sallak, founder of Parenting Made Joyful Lifestyle, and teacher of parenting classes at Buy Buy Baby. Sallak recommends the following supplies for your tool kit: • A small potty chair • An insert for the big potty • A squatty potty stool to go under a big potty • Thick cloth underwear • Lose pants that have no zippers or buttons • A timer • Potty books • Potty songs • Tangible rewards (like candy) • Cleaning supplies ready for messes • Plastic bags with you always • Spare clothes with you always And as for the plan of action? “It needs to be decided upon ahead of time and agreed upon by both parents and any caregiver so there is consistency across the board,” Sallak says. “Whatever approach is selected, it should be a solid three days of no plans whatsoever to focus completely on getting a strong start to potty training.”

Nanny Board Families are the best referrers

Find a nanny

Refer

your nanny

mommybites.com/nannies

Bedtime Considerations

Nighttime should have special considerations, according to the experts. Craig Hammond, founder and CEO of Peejamas, functional pajamas designed to eliminate the need for nighttime diapers, recommends establishing a routine at night that includes going to the bathroom before bed and limiting fluid intake in the evening. “Parents don’t need to force their child to completely fast from water or fluids at night, but definitely start winding it down after dinner,” Hammond says. “This helps to limit fluid building in the bladder, potentially leading to a release during the night. Coupled with the routine of going potty prior to bed, this will help your child learn.” Hammond also recommends—if possible—not using a diaper at night, just as your child wouldn’t in the day time during potty training. “Putting a child back in a diaper during the night, is inconsistent and contrary to the daytime training recommendations,” Hammond says. “Of course, this can lead to potential messes, which there are solutions to avoid that, and may not be realistic for children with individual needs. But if you can do it, it is a much better way to help them really nail the nighttime phase of potty training.” Potty training your child can be fun and rewarding, but as with all things, should you have any concerns or questions, call your child’s doctor or health-care provider. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications

LongIslandParent 55

raising kids teen

Experts suggest taking cues from your environment to broach uncomfortable topics with your teens. For example, if characters in a show or movie you’re both watching are smoking or drinking, it’s an opportune time to talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol use.

Awkward Talks

››

As our kids get older, it’s time to have conversations that make us uncomfortable. Here’s how to approach those topics—and get your teens to open up. By Lambeth Hochwald

f it feels like your heart-to-hearts with your teen have ground to a halt, take solace in the fact that this is very much par for the course at this age and stage. Blame it on the teenage brain that’s going through incredibly important changes that ultimately help prepare kids to function in the adult world, says Teodora Pavkovic, a psychologist and parenting coach in New York City. “Not only does this have a psychological impact, but a physical one, too, which can be really scary for kids,” she says. Get ready for these changes to take several years to shake out. “The brain won’t stop going through this rollercoaster of a ride until kids are about twenty-five and brain change stabilizes,” Pavkovic says. To help us navigate through this awkward time, we asked top experts to sketch out what kids are going through at this age and then offer some key tips for getting your child to actually open up and talk about even the most uncomfortable of topics.

York, an organization in NYC that counsels survivors of intimate partner violence. “At the same time, their personalities haven’t been fully formed. Remember: It’s their role and responsibility to be testing boundaries, to be exploring, to be figuring out what their identity is.” Given this, you want to try to be as open as possible to talking to your teen.

Keep in Mind, It’s a Phase

It’s Okay if Your Teen Prefers to Talk to Peers

The teenage years are the time when kids are developing their own unique identity, says Stephanie Nilva, executive director of Day One New 56

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Start Young

If your kids haven’t hit the teen stage quite yet, here’s some good news: Now’s the time to build trust with them. “Make sure the children in your household feel comfortable talking to you,” Nilva says. Then, when they’re older, make sure your overall concern with their health and safety comes first. “In other words, urge them to talk to you even if you’re upset that your teen violated an understanding you had whether it’s about violating a curfew or anything else—that trust is what’s most important.”

Another change that comes with parenting teens—and it’s one that continued on page 58

››

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL

Holy Family School. Making a difference one child at a time. Our nurturing yet challenging environment educates the whole child, in mind, body and spirit. At Holy Family each child is known by name and loved for his/her God-given talents. Holy Family students share love, understanding, compassion and kindness each school day. Nursery through 8th Grade.

OFFERING NEW PROGRAMS THIS YEAR

STREAM Fridays, Fine Arts, Theatre, Music, Art History and Drama! Visit us online at www.hfsli.org or call (516) 938-3846 to arrange a tour. 17 Fordham Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801 • 516-938-3846 x 329

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

April, 27th 10am - 4:30pm

Fun For The Whole Family! Games Live Animal Encounters Music

Petting Zoo

Kid’s FishinFood g

www.cshfishhatchery.org • 516-692-6768 1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor

LongIslandParent 57

‹‹ continued from pg. 56

can be quite shocking—is that your kids may prefer to talk to their peers instead of you, suggests Amy Alamar, a parenting expert in Avon, CT, and author of The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships with Your Child Through Daily Conversation. “It can be awkward to talk to your teen if the conversation feels forced or inauthentic,” she says. “It’s natural for teens to prefer to talk to their peers and keep some things private. That’s okay and healthy for your teen but don’t give up. You always want to keep working on better ways to communicate one-on-one with your teen.”

Be Direct About Hygiene

The best way to talk about almost anything with your teen is to be open and direct, Alamar says, and this comes into play, especially, broaching an awkward topic such as personal hygiene. “Don’t beat around the bush,” Alamar says. “Of course, with hygiene and other touchy topics you’ll make the most impact if you broach it in a positive or lighthearted way and avoid sarcasm. You can say things like, ‘This is normal,’ ‘Everyone has body odor,’ or ‘Have you thought about using deodorant?’ Help your teen to see that this is a state of humanity and not a reflection on who they are as a person.”

Speak Up About Vaping and Drugs

When it comes to the topic of alcohol, smoking, vaping, or drug use of any kind, you have two goals: Be clear about why you’re concerned and don’t shelter your child from the subject. “It’s better your child learns about risky behavior from you as it offers you the ability to share your values and expectations,” Alamar says. “It also shows your child that you are a trusted adult they can come to and they shouldn’t be afraid to. It’s very possible that your teen has experimented with vaping, drugs, or alcohol

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

or at least been exposed to it. Rather than judge them and come down hard with punishment, open up the conversation.” While this doesn’t mean you should avoid consequences, Alamar suggests the conversation should be more about the experience than punishment. “Your goal is to help your child to understand the real dangers and your concerns,” she says. “Listen to find out why your child chose to do this or is thinking about it. Ask questions like ‘Why do you like it?’ and help your child to find alternative behaviors and/or help him or her to feel comfortable coming to you.”

‘The Talk’ Looks Different from When We Were Teens

When it comes to talking to your kids about sex, the easiest to-do tip is to use the environment around you for these conversations, like a poster you come across, a song you hear, a character from a film, etc., Pavkovic suggests. “Ask your teen very open-ended questions—imagine that you are their university professor and they are your grad student and you want their thoughts on a subject,” she says. “The two most important things here are that one: they feel you are emotionally calm and stable while you speak to them, and two: they feel your respect for their subjective experience.” In other words, time your talk. “Don’t start these conversations…right after coming back from work exhausted or right after finding inappropriate texts on your child’s phone,” she adds. “You need to be the stabilizing factor for them—remember there’s a storm going on inside of them.”

If You Don’t Like Your Child’s Friends, Be Supportive Anyway

Remember: The core struggle for teens is, again, their immeasurable need to belong to their peer group, Alamar says. “This means you should try to support friendships as best you can so your child can learn to have intimate relationships and build trust outside of just the immediate family,” she says. “If you want to raise an independent adult who can sustain meaningful relationships, then you have to offer opportunities for your child to explore relationships—even ones you are suspect of.” If you judge your teen’s friends, she may take personal offense so tread lightly. “If you’re having trouble accepting your teen’s friends, consider inviting them to your home or see if you can get to know their families,” Alamar suggests. “In the end, your child is going to choose their friends, and the more you judge, the less likely they are to come to you with questions, concerns, or things to celebrate. They should have the opportunity to experience great friendships they’ve cultivated on Get advance noticeand onconflicts.” activities, their own and also experience disappointments

Join

NYMetroParents

in All group discussions Remember: participate You Won’t Have the Answers

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

Join

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents 58

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

When you’re parenting during thisspecial phase, givenotices. yourself permission and receive to be vulnerable, Pavkovic says. “Be kind to yourself by going into this phase knowing that you don’t know all the answers,” she says. “The important thing is to get the conversation going and to be able to say, ‘You know what, this is a tough one and I may not know what to www.facebook.com/nymetroparents tell you, but let’s talk it out anyway.’” It’s also key to keep your child’s strengths in mind. “This is your most powerful tool,” she says. “As you try to help them with each challenge they face, if you know their strengths you can coach them through using these strengths to resolve these issues.” No pressure, but the steps you take now will forever make a difference in your teen’s life. “What you are also doing then is not only helping your child make healthier decisions, but you are hitting the parental bingo by teaching them how to help themselves once they are living out there in the world without you,” Pavkovic says.

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

MA I N S T RE E T MAIN

520 South Oyster Bay Road Hicksville, NY 11801

18-1 9

3 pm

Save a seat for your child . . . REGISTER NOW Educating students in faith, academics and service Call to arrange a tour: 516-433-7040 School Website: www.olmshicks.org  

Nursery—Grade 8 Before & After Care

 

After School Enrichment Programs Algebra & Living Environment Regents

Like us on Facebook at Our Lady of Mercy School—Hicksville Follow us on Instagram@olmshicks Subscribe to our new YouTube Channel at olmshicks

Thomas School of Horsemanship

SUMMER CAMP

Ages 3-15

MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME!

232 main street port washington, ny 11050 landmarkonmainstreet.org

Milk Carton Kids 6 20 7:30 pm

ON MA IN STREET J E A N N E R I M S K Y T HE A T E R

Your Search for the Perfect Summer Camp is over!

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS PRESCHOOL UNDER 10 TENNIS TENNIS & SPORTS JMTA SUMMER TENNIS TRAINING VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY MORE!

Camp locations across Long Island, including uding in the Hampt Hamptons, tons nss and in NYC, Westchester and the Capital Region. We’ve got your summer fun covered!

SWIMMING • SPORTS • ARTS • STEM PLUS A FULL RIDING PROGRAM! 631-692-6840 31 692 6840 • WWW.TSHCAMP.COM WWW WW WW TSHCAMP CO

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com | 631-269-1055 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location

LongIslandParent 59

Camps for Older Kids Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com office@bethsholomdaycamp.com BSDC’s Upper Camp (fifth-eighth grades) offers what campers want to do. Campers enjoy a traditional day camp with two overnights, weekly trips, and special events. Campers can pick what they would like to do during certain periods and CITs (ninth to 10th grades) spend half the day training to be a counselor.

Camp Kids ‘N Comedy at The Gotham Comedy Club

208 W. 23rd St., Manhattan 212-877-6115 kidsncomedy.com info@kidsncomedy.com Camp Kids ‘N Comedy is for kids ages 10-18 who are bored with kayaks, sick of poison ivy, and allergic to everything. It is a summer camp for kids who are funny. They will learn to write and perform stand-up comedy, play improv games, and re-enact scenes from comedy sketches.

Camp Loyaltown

Glen Avenue, Hunter 518-263–4242 camployaltown.org Each year, Camp Loyaltown, a program of Citizens Options Unlimited, welcomes more than 650 campers, ages 4-75, to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and fun environment. Located in the Catskill Mountains, Camp Loyaltown is a summer sleepaway camp and year-round respite program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

are available! We are located on 140-acres of woodland, farmland, and beachfront on the Long Island Sound.

Eye Level

61 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-747-7700 eyelevelny.com Don’t let your child suffer from “Summer Brain Drain!” Three months without school can have a detrimental impact on education. Eye Level offers academic programs that students need to enter the coming school year prepared to take on any challenge! Call us now to schedule a free diagnostic assessment.

Future Stars Summer Camps

The College at Old Westbury 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Future Stars Summer Camps offer weekly Sports, STEAM, and Specialty camp programs at three locations (The College at Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, and St. Joseph’s College Patchogue). Programs are offered to children entering kindergarten-ninth grade. A balanced camp day ensures the perfect blend of instruction and fun.

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp

450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 parkshoredaycamp.com info@parkshoredaycamp.com This exciting cooking program is for boys and girls completing grades first-seventh as of June. Led by Chef Paula, our foodie campers will learn about food chemistry, recipes, equipment, skills, and how to work in a kitchen and prepare delicious cuisines from around the world.

(for children on the Autism spectrum) 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 gershsummerprogram.com; westhillsdaycamp.com/wp/programs-by-age/ gersh-academy-whdc info@westhillscamp.com Our program offers children on the autism spectrum the opportunity to participate in a traditional summer camp experience while receiving the support necessary to be in a mainstream setting. Small groups, certified special education teachers, placement based on capabilities, and support for development of social skills, life skills, and independence.

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

Hofstra Summer Camps

Cooking With Stars Camp

3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead 516-433-7970 x11 ccenassau.org Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead is a coed, recreational, eight-week sleepaway camp. A three-day, two-night “mini camp” is also offered. Stay-over weekends

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

101 Oak St., Uniondale 516-463-CAMP (2267) hofstra.edu/academics/ce/summer-camp/index.html; hofstra.edu/camps ce-camps@hofstra.edu Hofstra Summer Camps’ partnership with Nassau BOCES gives high school students

the opportunity to explore potential career paths all summer long at the Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Center. Course options include Aviation; Audio, Video, and Graphic Design; Construction Trade; Culinary Arts; STEM; and Veterinary Science.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth offers extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area, and university-level facilities.

Oasis at LIU Post

720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 646-519-5066 Jason Mirandoli, director oasischildren.com liupost@oasischildren.com Teen Travel for seventh-ninth grades-amazing experiences and friends forever! Daily trips to destinations in Long Island and the New York area include museums, go–karts, theater performances, sporting events, overnight trips, late-night socials, inter-camp challenges, amusement parks, and workshops. All trips on air-conditioned buses with mature staff.

Park Shore Country Day Camp

450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 parkshoredaycamp.com info@parkshoredaycamp.com Located in Dix Hills on 15 acres. Programs for ages 2-14. Activities include Athletics, Aquatics, High Ropes Course, Bungee, Rock Wall, Ninja Course, ATVs, Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts, and special events. Specialty camps include Extreme STEAM Science Kids, Sports Track, and Cooking With Stars. Transportation, before- and after-care, and lunch available.

Park Shore Travel Camp

450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 parkshoredaycamp.com info@parkshoredaycamp.com Park Shore has three unique travel programs for campers completing grades fifth-eighth in June. Travel campers take day trips both on

and off Long Island in addition to exciting overnight trips to Dorney Park, Hershey Park, Niagara Falls, Vermont, Busch Gardens, Boston, and others that are scheduled.

Pierce Country Day Camp

Mineola Ave., Roslyn 516-621-2211 piercecamps.com info@piercecamps.com Our Super Senior program gives our oldest campers full run of all that Pierce has to offer and maximum choice in their schedule. Swim twice daily and our guided choice scheduling allows our oldest campers to choose from more than 30 different activities. Weekly off-grounds trips offered too!

SPORTIME Summer Camps Nassau and Suffolk

Several locations in Nassau, Suffolk, Manhattan, and Westchester 888-698-3664 sportimeny.com/summercamps camps@sportimeny.com SPORTIME’s Summer Camps offer children ages 3-16 a great combination of sports instruction and games, swimming, arts and crafts, and exciting special events. Camp activities include age- and level-appropriate tennis, soccer, softball, basketball, flag football, and floor hockey. Campers learn fundamental skills, participate in competitive drills, and learn game strategies.

Thomas School of Horsemanship

Summer Day Camp 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com We offer campers ages 3-15 daily activities of a traditional day camp plus a full riding program. Our Leadership Training program for ages 13-15 enjoy all camp activities while adding more responsibilities with horses and younger campers, freedom with their schedules, and unique learning opportunities including pre-vet care and lifeguard training.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.org info@usdan.org Usdan, the nation’s pre-em-

inent arts day camp, offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts including visual art, dance, music, theater, writing, and arts-related fields such as nature, chess, and recreational arts. Students ages 4-18 are immersed in art and nature and surrounded by friends who share their interests and enthusiasm.

SAINT MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A great place to grow.

Winston Preparatory School

30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills 212-719-5598 x2213 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Prep’s Individualized Summer Enrichment Program provides students in 12th to fourth grades with the unique opportunity to participate in an individually designed program aimed to enhance academic skills and foster independence. The program is designed to develop language, encoding and decoding, reading comprehension, writing, math, test preparation, organization, and time management skills.

YMCA of Long Island

855-2YMCALI (962254) Locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue ymcali.org/camp camp@ymcali.org YMCA of Long Island Summer Day Camp offers the best of adventure, athletics, aquatics, creative arts, and lots of trips for ages 12-16! New: archery tag, GameLand, challenger courses, freestyle specials, and STEAM activities, transportation, and lunch plan. Register online now at ymcali.org/camp. Discounts expire April 30, 2019. Awesome adventures await!

Young People’s Day Camps Nassau

516-650-1856 or 631-476-3330 ypdc.com Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau County, located in Hicksville, has been providing children ages 4-15 with summer fun for more than 45 years! We offer two-to-eightweek programs with exciting trips, arts and crafts, yoga, karate, carnivals, talent shows, special event days, instructional sports, and recreational and instructional swim.

A great place to learn. Nursery through Eighth Grade

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND OPTIONS

1340 NORTHERN BOULEVARD | MANHASSET, NEW YORK 11030 516.627.0184 | WWW.STMARY11030.ORG

St. Dominic Elementary and Middle Schools O N E J O U R N E Y T H R O U G H FA I T H & E D U C AT I O N

Please Visit Us • Pre-K Early Childhood Development • Elementary (K-5) • Middle School (6-8) T. 516.922.4233 www.STDOMSOB.ORG 35 School Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Saint Dominic Elementary School was established in 1924 as one of the first Catholic schools on Long Island. Our primary mission is to incorporate the teachings, values, and traditions of our Catholic faith into the religious, academic, physical, and social development of our students to prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

LongIslandParent 61

Buckley Day Camp buckleycamp.com

Camp Jacobson campjacobson.com

Camp Loyaltown camployaltown.org

8 8

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

cshfishhatchery.org

8 8

Challenge Courses

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center dnalc.org

8 8

Fine Arts

Nature & Petting Zoo

CIT

(Counselor-in-Training)

Travel

Horseback Riding

Camp Kids â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;N Comdey kidsncomedy.com

8 8

Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com

Destination Science: The FUN Science Day Camp For Curious Kids 5-11! destinationscience.org

Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp ccenassau.org

Extreme STEAM Science Kids extremesteamcamp.com

8 8

Friends Academy Summer Camp fa.org

Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp gershsummerprogram.com

Gravity Vault Melville Indoor Rock Gym gravityvault.com Hofstra Summer Camps hofstra.edu/camps

Kenwal Day Camp kenwaldaycamp.com

Les Elfes International leselfes.com

8 8

Long Island Golf Camps longislandgolfcamps.com

8 8

Long Island Studio of Music longislandstudioofmusic.com

Lynch School of Ballet lynchballet.com

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

8 8

Eye Level eyelevelny.com

Long Island Voyagers Day Camp livoyagersdaycamp.com

Competitive Sports

Music, Theater, & Dance

Beth Sholom Day Camp bethsholomdaycamp.com

Camp W Day Camp campwdaycamp.com

STEAM & Academic Enrichment

Scholarship

PROGRAMS: Special Needs

Art League of Long Island artleagueli.net

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

8 8

Oasis Camp at Tully Park oasischildren.com

Oasis Camp On The Sound oasischildren.com

Park Shore Coutry Day Camp parkshoredaycamp.com

SPORTIME Bethpage Summer Camp sportimecamps.com/bt

8 8

SPORTIME Syosset Summer Camp sportimecamps.com/stm

Fine Arts

Special Needs

CIT

SPORTIME Lynbrook Summer Camp sportimecamps.com/lb SPORTIME Roslyn Summer Camp sportimecamps.com/ros

Travel

Horseback Riding

Portledge Summer Adventures sa.portledge.org

Challenge Courses

Nature & Petting Zoo

Competitive Sports

(Counselor-in-Training)

Music, Theater, & Dance

Oasis Camp at LIU Post oasischildren.com

STEAM & Academic Enrichment

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym & E.C.E.C. matsskidsgym.com

Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Transportation

Extended Hours

PROGRAMS:

Lunch

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

Sylvan of Mineola and Huntington sylvanlearning.com

The Summer Enrichment Program at Winston Preparatory School winstonprep.edu

Thomas School of Horsemanship tshcamp.com

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts usdan.org

8 8

Village East Gifted villageeastgifted.com

YMCA of Long Island ymcali.org

Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau County ypdc.com

8 8

Learn More or Enroll Today!

FLEXIBLE WEEKLY SESSIONS FSCAMPS.COM

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE ON LONG ISLAND! SUNY COLLEGE FARMINGDALE AT OLD WESTBURY STATE COLLEGE 516.226.CAMP 631.769.CAMP

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE PATCHOGUE 631.572.0232

LongIslandParent 63

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com office@bethsholomdaycamp.com Come see what everyone is talking about at one of our open houses Sundays, April 14 or May 5 from 10am-1pm.

Camp W - Where Friendships are Made

121 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 631-692-6222 campwdaycamp.com info@campwdaycamp.com Join us at our open house Saturday, April 13 from 12-2pm to learn about our camp program. Enjoy soccer, basketball, karate, face painting, making slime, a caricaturist, a magician, prizes, and giveaways!

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org info@cshfishhatchery.org Open House and Spring Festival, April 27 from 10am-4:30pm. Bring the family! Enjoy kid’s fishing, food, music, petting zoo, castle bouncer, games, environmental exhibitors, and live animal encounters.

Cooking With Stars Camp

450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 parkshoredaycamp.com info@parkshoredaycamp.com Open house and free class with Chef Paula, April 13 from 11am12pm first-second grades, and 12:30-1:30pm, third-fifth grades. Additional tours available weekdays from 10am-3pm year-round and weekends from 11am-2pm February–June.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Join us for an open house on March 31 and May 5 from 1:30-4:30pm.

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead 516-433-7970 x11 ccenassau.org lfg38@cornell.edu

Kiddie Playland

Visit one of our open house dates on April 6, May 4, or May 18 from 10am-1pm.

310 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-294-0111 kiddieplayland.com Join us for a camp open house on April 6 and 13 from 11am–2pm.

East Woods School

Long Island High School for the Arts

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org Join us for an open house on April 14 from 11am-1pm. Inspiring confidence, excellence, and kindness since 1946. Please RSVP to mcedrone@eastwoods.org.

Extreme STEAM Science Kids

450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 extremesteamcamp.com info@extremesteamscience.com Open house and free robotic class on April 6 from 11am12pm grades first-second, and 12:30-1:30pm grades thirdfifth. Additional tours available weekdays from 10am-3pm year-round, and weekends from 11am-2pm February–June.

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp

(for children on the Autism spectrum) 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 gershsummerprogram.com; westhillsdaycamp.com/wp/ programs-by-age/gersh-academy-whdc info@westhillscamp.com Open House and Spring Carnival on April 13 from 1-3pm. Join the West Hills family for a day of fun with carnival rides, bounce houses, slides, and face painting.

Holy Family School

17 Fordham Ave., Hicksville 516-938-3846 x329 hfsli.org Join us for an open house on Thursday, April 4. Prospective families are invited to come between 9am-1pm and again from 4-8pm.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com kenwaloffice@kenwaldaycamp.com Visit Kenwal to meet with our directors and tour our beautiful 20acre campgrounds. Sundays from 12-3pm, through June, or call for a personal tour. Lock in discounted rates through Summer 2021!

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Summer Arts Academy-grades sixth-12th 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa LIHSA offers a unique opportunity for students in Nassau and Suffolk counties ninth to 12th grades. Open house held April 13 from 11am-2pm.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

Nassau and Suffolk locations 516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Open house April 6 and 7 from 1-3pm. Receive $100 off tuition! Learn about our unique summer camp experience for children 4-14, offering amazing activities and fun-filled days of recreation.

Park Shore Country Day Camp and School 450 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-499-8580 parkshoredaycamp.com info@parkshoredaycamp.com Tours are available Monday–Friday from 10am-3pm, year-round, and Saturdays and Sundays 11am-2pm, February–June. Call to confirm a date and time for your tour. We look forward to meeting you!

Pierce Country Day Camp

Smithtown Christian School

1 Higbie Drive, Smithtown 631-265-3334 learnwithscs.org Smithtown Christian School and Pre-School Open House on Monday, April 15 from 7–8:30pm. Meet our administrators and learn why SCS stands apart from the rest!

Thomas School of Horsemanship

Summer Day Camp 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com A traditional day camp with a full riding program! We are passionate about children having funfilled days while learning some of life’s most important lessons. Call to schedule a personal tour.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.org/visit info@usdan.org Join us for an open house Sundays, April 28 and May 19 from 11am2pm. The campus is yours to visit and explore. Receive a chance to “win” a tuition discount.

The Waldorf School of Garden City 225 Cambridge Ave., Garden City 516-742-3434 waldorfgarden.org/admissions/ events-tours/open-house-tours Join us for an open house on Wednesday, April 10 at 8:30am for fourth-12th grades.

Winston Preparatory School

Mineola Ave., Roslyn 516-621-2211 piercecamps.com info@piercecamps.com See for yourself what makes Pierce a place that smiles! Stop in between 12–2pm, no appointment necessary on April 13 and 14, and May 4 and 5.

30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills 212-719-5598 x2213 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Prep is a highly individualized setting for third to 12th grade students with specific learning differences. Open house on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30pm and Thursday, April 11 at 9:15am.

Portledge Summer Adventures

YMCA of Long Island

Portledge School 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-750-3104 sa.portledge.org/page mworth@portledge.org Join us for a Summer Sampler April 13 or May 18. Meet teachers, sample program activities, and tour the classrooms, campus, gyms, and labs. Have fun, enroll in programs for summer.

855-2YMCALI (962254) Locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue ymcali.org/camp camp@ymcali.org Come join the YMCA of Long Island for Summer Day Camp Open House Saturday, April 6 from 10am-12pm or Tuesday, April 30 from 7pm-8pm. Visit a branch near you.

What Makes a Great Camp Parent?

2019 CAMP GUIDE

LEARN FROM EXPERTS • 20 Lessons from Camp We Use Every Day • 10 Things Counselors Wish Parents DIDN’T Do • 8 Questions to Ask a Camp Director

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/CAMPGUIDE/LONGISLAND Available on Phone, Desktop or Tablet LongIslandParent 65

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS EHRENMAN & KHAN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. PDM FAMILY DENTAL 295 N. Broadway, Jericho 516-388-5002 pdmfamilydental.com info@pdmfamilydental.com PDM Family Dental is a new dental office at the Hicksville Jericho border. We are here to provide comprehensive care for your entire family’s dental needs. We are open evenings. THE TOOTH PILLOW DENTISTRY 775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS ADVANTAGE CARE HEALTH CENTER 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport 516-686-4400 advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Island’s premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH 535 Broad Hollow Road, Suite B30, Melville 631-420-4444 berkshirefarm.org Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth helps children find safety and comfort in the homes of foster parents. Become a foster parent and give the gift of family!

LEGAL SERVICES ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high-quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent nontoxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you. LICE CLINICS OF AMERICA - LONG ISLAND 47 Jackson Ave., Syosset 566 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre

516-336-4099 liceclinicslongisland.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs—even Super Lice—are eliminated in a single, one-hour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

SPECIAL NEEDS ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high-quality service at a reasonable cost. DR. STEVE IMBER, PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as the five boroughs of NYC 61-43 186th St., Fresh Meadows 516-273-1961 Sprout Building 166 Valley St., Providence, RI 401-421-4004 dr-imber.com scimber1@aol.com Dr. Imber has more than 40 years of experience consulting, evaluating, and advocating for children, adolescents, and adults with various disabilities including autism (e.g. Asperger’s syndrome), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LIFE’S WORC THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and

support for people with autism and their families. Programs include: insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. MARRA & GLICK APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS 1737 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 1, Islandia 631-479-2900 mg-aba.com Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to serve people with autism spectrum disorders in our center-based programs, at school, in the home, and in the community. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations. THE TOOTH PILLOW DENTISTRY 775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL Eye Level Williston Park 61 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-747-7700 eyelevelny.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the imme-

diate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic advancement, Eye Level is the answer. LONG ISLAND TUTORIAL SERVICES 173 N. Main St., Sayville 631-316-0426 litutorialservices.com litutorialservices@gmail .com Long Island Tutorial Services (LITS) provides award-winning customer service and first-rate instruction to families island-wide. Call for a confidential consultation. MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTERS Five Towns 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 Great Neck 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck 516-482-MATH (6284) Lynbrook 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-881-7997 New Hyde Park 810 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-616-MATH (6284) Roslyn 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-484-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math.

We've got everything for a…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is Parents' Party Central—one—stop shopping for the best in:

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTERS OF MINEOLA AND HUNTINGTON 393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Mineola and Huntington offer personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT and ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results.

H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest,

VILLAGE EAST GIFTED - ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring for gifted and talented students. We are a designated John Hopkins CTY and SAT testing center.

H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and

or most classic locale)

H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!)

H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age)

H At-Home Party Themes (think

pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…)

parents who’ve been there!)

Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH

HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

SLOW DOWN!

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family Events

Events

(see our calendar, p. 32)

(see our calendar, p. 26)

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions LongIslandParent 67

Meet the

Health Care Professional Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry. Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!

Mesbah OB-GYN Women’s Health Care & Wellness 877 Stewart Ave., Suite 3, Garden City 516-794-1500 mesbahobgyn.com

Michael Mesbah, M.D. is board-certified with more than 20 years of private practice experience. His experience and expertise in obstetrics has made him one of the most respected physicians on Long Island. He has extensive training in gynecological surgery, and is a certified robotic surgeon. Karyn Wat, M.D. is multilingual in English, Spanish, and Chinese. She has been trained in general and high-risk obstetric care, as well as gynecological surgery. She is compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable in issues pertaining to teenagers, family planning, menstrual and hormonal abnormalities, and menopausal symptoms.

PDM Family Dental 295 N. Broadway, Jericho pdmfamilydental.com info@pdmfamilydental.com

PDM Family Dental is a new dental office at the Hicksville Jericho border. We are here to provide comprehensive care for your children and your entire family’s dental needs. We strive to provide a comfortable dental experience and aim to help you walk out with a smile. Dr. Makkar is a huge advocate of educating families to take care of their dental needs and of supporting communities. We do accept most insurances but also provide in-office dental plans so that dental care is accessible to all. We are open evenings.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com

Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure the consistency that is so important to young children. The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs. The office also participates with most major insurance plans.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders in adults and children. Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry 775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists that work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child is sedated. We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment. Your child will leave our office with all of his/her dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. We will treat your child as if they were our own. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics

Diocese of RVC ......................................... 72

religious

Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth .......................................................... 20

East Woods School .................................... 19

Diocese of RVC ......................................... 72 Holy Family School .................................... 57 Our Lady of Mercy .................................... 59 St. Christopher School ............................... 41 St. Dominic Elementary School ................ 61 St. Mary Elementary School ..................... 61

birthday / party services As You Wish Parties .................................... 51 Bounce U - Farmingdale ......................... 53 Kiddie Playland ......................................... 51 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ........................................................ 51 Long Island Nets ........................................ 53 Sportime ..................................................... 59

camps Camp Huntington ..................................... 28 Camp Loyaltown ...................................... 20 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ........... 57 Countryside Montessori School ............... 17 East Woods School .................................... 19 Eye Level Learning Center ....................... 57 Future Stars - Old Westbury ...................... 63 Hofstra Summer Camps ........................... 18 Kiddie Playland ......................................... 51 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................... 45 Nassau Boces Educational Foundation . 47 Oasis Children Services ............................... 7 Park Shore Counrty Day Camp & Preschool ...................................................... 4 Sportime ..................................................... 59 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp .................... 59 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ............ 2 Winston Prepatory School - Long Island .....34 Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Camps - Nassau .... 71

child care / day care Kiddie Playland ......................................... 51 Mommybites......................................... 48, 55 Variety Child - Child Care & Social Skil .......19

classes As You Wish Parties .................................... 51 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................... 45 Sportime ..................................................... 59

dance Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ............ 2

developmental

Eye Level Learning Center ....................... 57 Fusion Education Group - Woodbury ....... 3 Holy Family School .................................... 57 Huntington Learning Center .................... 25 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken .................. 34 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................... 45

research

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior

Tobacco Action Coalition of LI ................. 9

Analysts ...................................................... 29

retail

Mathnasium - Roslyn ................................... 5

Once Upon A Child................................... 41

Nassau Boces Educational Foundation . 47

special events

Our Lady of Mercy .................................... 59

As You Wish Parties .................................... 51 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ........... 57 Fusion Education Group - Woodbury ....... 3 Live Nation - NYCB Theatre at Westbury .................................................... 47 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ........................................................ 51 NYCB Live ................................................... 12 Planting Fields Foundation ....................... 11 T Off 4 Autism ............................................. 33 Variety Child Learning Center ................. 36

St. Christopher School ............................... 41 St. Dominic Elementary School ................ 61 St. Mary Elementary School ..................... 61 Vincent Smith School ................................ 32 Waldorf School of Garden City (The) ..... 45 Winston Prepatory School - Long Island .......................................................... 34

family entertainment / events / outings Bounce U - Farmingdale ......................... 53 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ........... 57 Landmark on Main Street Inc .................. 59 Live Nation - NYCB Theatre at Westbury .................................................... 47 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ........................................................ 51 Long Island Nets ........................................ 53 NYCB Live ................................................... 12 Planting Fields Foundation ....................... 11

fitness Sportime ..................................................... 59

health Advantage Care Health Center ............. 13 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry ................................................ 31, 68 Merrick Pediatric Dentistry........................ 68 PDM Family Dental .................................... 68 Tobacco Action Coalition of LI ................. 9 Tooth Pillow Dentistry (The) ................. 35, 68

legal services Andrew M. Cohen Esq .............................. 15

Advantage Care Health Center ............. 13 Hagedorn Little Village School ................ 23 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................................................. 27, 68 Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts ...................................................... 29 Variety Child Learning Center ................. 36 Vincent Smith School ................................ 32

Landmark on Main Street Inc .................. 59 Nassau Boces Educational Foundation ................................................. 47 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ............ 2

education

play spaces

Countryside Montessori School ............... 17

Bounce U - Farmingdale ......................... 53

music Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ............ 2

performing arts / acting

special needs Advantage Care Health Center ............. 13 Andrew M. Cohen Esq .............................. 15 Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth .......................................................... 20 Camp Huntington ..................................... 28 Camp Loyaltown ...................................... 20 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry................................................. 31, 68 Hagedorn Little Village School ................ 23 Huntington Learning Center .................... 25 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................................................. 27, 68 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken .................. 34 Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts ...................................................... 29 T Off 4 Autism ............................................. 33 Tooth Pillow Dentistry (The) ................. 35, 68 Variety Child Learning Center ................. 36 Vincent Smith School ................................ 32 Winston Prepatory School - Long Island .......................................................... 34

sports Future Stars - Old Westbury ...................... 63 Long Island Nets ........................................ 53 Sportime ..................................................... 59

theater Landmark on Main Street Inc .................. 59

tutors Eye Level Learning Center ....................... 57 Huntington Learning Center .................... 25 Mathnasium - Roslyn.................................... 5

LongIslandParent 69

SpecialParent Courtesy Stella L. Spanakos

raising kids voices

I Will Not Fail This Child ›› How I turned a tragedy into opportunities for young adults with special needs By Stella L. Spanakos

hen people ask what it’s like to have a child with special needs, my response is: It’s like dark chocolate, bittersweet. My beautiful, healthy, 9-pound baby boy was diagnosed with autism at age 3, from that day forward a revolving door of therapists came to our home every day until 6pm. To make matters worse, Nicholas never developed speech and started having seizures at age 17. When Nicholas was young, we wanted to believe he would “outgrow” autism, or science would find a “cure” for the diagnosis. But, as the years passed and reality set in, we started dealing better with the “what is” and “what needs to happen.” Three years before Nicholas was going to transition from high school to the real world, I started looking toward the next chapter of his life. What were his options? Day-hab, residential, supported employment? I visited many programs but started crying when I returned to my car after the tour. A tsunami of young adults on the autism spectrum would be transitioning in three years, with more going forward every year and New York state was most definitely not prepared. To discuss Nicholas’ future with my husband was painful. He could not accept that we had to carve out a different future for our son; one without a driver’s license, college, marriage, children, and grandchildren, but one that needed much thought and financial planning. Autism broke my husband’s heart, and then my heart was broken for a second time on June 7, 2010 when my husband boarded a business flight to Vegas, suffered a massive heart attack, and died at the age of 55. Kobi Yamada wrote a book called What Do You Do with a Chance? The moral of the story is, when given a chance, you always take it “because it just might be the start of something incredible.” And that’s precisely what I did. I had an opportunity to make the worst day of my life become

Stella L. Spanakos with her son Nicholas, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3

the beginning of something incredible to help Nicholas, his classmates, and many others. I decided to close my husband’s business, sell everything, and use the proceeds from his life insurance to start the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs Foundation, both located in Port Washington. The Nicholas Center supports individuals with autism to lead full and productive lives in the community. Spectrum Designs Foundation is an apparel customizing business, specializing in screen printing, DTG (Direct to Garment), and embroidery. My co-founders, Nicole Sugrue and Patrick Bardsley, and I experimented with our first DTG machine in my barn and never looked back. The relationship between the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs is the perfect example of how businesses can work with agencies to support employees with intellectual disabilities. Eighty percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed but very capable of work. We started with both organizations in the same building, and one DTG machine printing 75 T-shirts a day. I used to pray that I could pay the bills and support our payroll during our first two years but as the saying goes: “build it and they will come,” and so they did. At the close of 2018, just eight years after opening our doors, Nicholas Center serves 85 families with vocational and community experiences, and Spectrum Designs’ client list has grown to include Uber, Google, NYU Langone Medical Center, Northwell Health, St. John’s University Law School, Town of North Hempstead, and MTA Metro-North. Spectrum Designs has impacted the lives of 70 individuals and their families and created more than 15,000 paid hours of meaningful work for individuals with autism.

Stella L. Spanakos co-founded The Nicholas Center Ltd., where she is the director of development, and Spectrum Designs Foundation. For more information about the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs Foundation, or to help change the world “one t-shirt at a time,” visit nicholascenterusa.org or spectrumdesigns.org.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Filled with Fun & Excitement! Boys & Girls, 4-15 • 2-8 Week Programs Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators • All Union Rates Accepted Weekly Field Trips • Red Cross Swim Program • Sports & Karate• Yoga • Arts & Crafts And Much, MUCH MORE!

Visit Us! OPEN HOUSE: APRIL 6 & APRIL 13, 2019 12 PM - 3 PM

Our Lady of Mercy School 520 S Oyster Bay Road Hicksville, NY 11801

For More Info, Call 516-650-1856 • ypdc.com

LI Parent Back Cover Mar 2017:Layout 1 4/16/18 3:18 PM Page 1

What’s diﬀerent about a Catholic education?

Our methods evolve, but our message is constant. While we are faithful to the mission of Jesus Christ, our schools are technological marvels. Wi-Fi enabled buildings, SMART Boards® in classrooms, computer labs ﬁlled with the latest technologies, iPads® and Chromebooks™ for students as young as preschoolers, science labs and videoconferencing. We know how to engage today’s digital native student. To learn more about Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools and to ﬁnd a school near you, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org.