Long Island Parent (Suffolk) April 2017

LongIslandParent SUFFOLK EDITION

APRIL 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Party-Planning Timeline

Green Your Kid’s Room Tips for Earth Day

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Organize the perfect birthday for your child

SpecialParent

Amazing Accomplishments

• A Cookbook by a Boy with Autism • How Music Lessons Helped My Son

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

April 2017 ››

37

Features

16 The Ultimate Party-Planning Timeline Give your kids the birthday of their dreams— without driving yourself crazy

18

18 Detox the Toy Box Simple steps to reduce your kids’ exposure to environmental hazards 37 Special Parent Section How a teen with autism overcame his food aversions to create a cooking show and cookbook, advice to find the right tutor for your child with special needs, and resources in the area for children with special needs

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 12 NYMP Q&A: Nicole Feliciano talks about being a “mom boss.”

22 Spotlight on Stony Brook to Riverhead 54 Voices: How music lessons helped a child with autism and sensory processing disorder

16

Fun & Activities

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Family Activities CALENDAR ››

23

DIY Corner: Stitching Stars Your Child Can Be IN the Circus!

Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Minor League Baseball

Directories 35 45 46 47 48 53

Open Houses Meet the Health Care Professional Professional Services Party Central Camp Guide Advertisers’ Index

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 16 Party-Planning Timeline 18 Green Your Kids Room

facebook.com/nymetroparents

14 15 23 34

38 A Cookbook by a Boy with Autism

54 How Music Lessons Helped My Son

@NYMetroParents

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

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LongIslandParent

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APRIL 2017 • Vol.8 • No.11

EDITOR’S NOTE

Creative Pursuits

by Amazing Kids

M

y oldest daughter has recently gotten very interested in baking and cooking. She’s progressed quickly from brownie mix with lots of help from an adult to cookies from scratch, on her own (except for putting them in or taking them out of the oven, which we insist a grown-up still do). She follows recipes carefully, and while she occasionally expresses ideas for her own creations, she hasn’t ventured there yet. So I was fascinated to read about another young person who has his own YouTube cooking show and recently published a cookbook of his own recipes—impressive for any teen, but even more so for Chase Bailey, who has autism. As part of our Autism Awareness Month coverage, read an interview with Chase and try out some recipes from The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook (p. 38).

Chase isn’t the only super-impressive young person with special needs you’ll meet in this issue.

For our Voices column (p. 54), Manhattan mom Michaela Searfoorce shares how her son James was transformed by music lessons, even participating in performances he previously would not have even been able to attend. And did you catch the beautiful photo of Ryan on our cover? The 14-year-old Queens resident was one of the finalists in our Kids’ Cover Contest last year. His mom captioned the photo she submitted: “I have autism but it doesn’t have me.” Meeting Ryan in person at our photo shoot, I realized how perfect that statement is.

On a related note, this year’s Kids’ Cover Contest launches April 24. Go to nymetroparents.com/cover then to enter for a chance to see your child on our magazine cover. In the meantime, we have a unique opportunity for you to win a walk-on role for your child in Circus 1903 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden! Enter at nymetroparents.com/circus for this amazing chance to see your kid pulled onstage during a performance.

Whether you hold your child’s birthday party at the circus or you’re more of a low-key athome party kind of family, planning our kids’ parties is an essential part to today’s parenting job description. Some parents enjoy and look forward to this, but I know my wife and I are not alone in feeling the pressure of our kids’ expectations and the difficulties of fitting party planning into our already busy lives. If you’re like us, you’ll want to check out our timeline for birthday planning (p. 16), so you can get organized and de-stress the process.

April brings us Earth Day, our annual reminder of what we should be doing year-round to ensure our kids inherit a healthier, safer planet. If you’re looking to live greener, how about starting right at home, with your kids’ bedrooms or playrooms? Emma Steven explores some of the environmental dangers lurking in household items and offers pointers on how to eliminate them (p. 18).

Of course, this month also brings Easter and Passover. Wishing a happy holiday to all of you celebrating, and a healthy, fun spring to everyone!

Michael Kress Editorial Director, NYMetroParents

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Sabrina Sooknanan

ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jessica Leonhardt, Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

MARKETING

HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman

ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller

We’re Looking for Great Writing—By Your Kids!

Does your child have a great story to tell about something that’s happened in her life? A strong opinion about an issue affecting him? An exploration of overcoming obstacles and achieving her dreams?

NYMetroParents is seeking essay submissions from local tweens and teens—and the best ones may be published online or in a future issue of this magazine!

Essays can be about virtually any topic of relevance to local children and families, but should be written entirely by your child, with minimal help from Mom and Dad. Submissions should be 600-800 words.

Parents should email their child’s submission to nympwriter@nymetroparents.com. Be sure to let us know how old your child is and where you live.

And remember: We’re also always on the lookout for great personal essays from moms and dads in our area! Submit your best take on life as a New York metro-area parent to the same email address above.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-sp

Who: Camps ‘R’ Us What’s New: The Syosset location, which will open this summer and welcome children ages 3-15.

Camps ‘R’ Us is a day camp with seven locations across Long Island.

The Syosset camp will utilize St. Edward the Confessor School’s campus, which includes an air-conditioned field house gymnasium, a children’s playground, and several athletic fields and courts.

“We have a lot of families who live and work in the Syosset area who had to travel a decent way to one of our campuses,” says managing director Jason Turnier. “So we wanted to bridge the gap for them.”

Want More Info: St. Edward the Confessor School, 205 Jackson Ave., Syosset; 516-935-2267; campsrus.org

Courtesy Camps ‘R’ Us

Day Camp to Open Syosset Location

At Camps ‘R’ Us campers are divided by grade and take part in fun, age-appropriate programming.

Who: Sappo School What’s New: Performing arts, music, and visual arts programs; AP courses; CrossFit conditioning workshops; and tablets for all students—all beginning in September.

Private music lessons in various instruments, including piano, guitar, and ukulele, and a dance program taught by a former Rockette and Broadway alumnus will be added to the performing arts programming.

The private school will offer Art, History, and Earth Science AP courses, which “will allow students to experience college-level courses within the supportive environment of our school,” says Michelle Bowers, admissions director.

In addition, Project Lead the Way, a STEM-focused program currently offered in high school, will be expanded into the lower grades.

Want More Info: 40 Kings Park Road, Commack; 631-736-2146; sapposchool.com

Courtesy Sappo School

Commack Private School to Expand Class Offerings and In-House Programs

Sappo School’s Tailored Learning approach and emphasis on the arts foster success of students with disabilities and general education students.

Who: Picasso Kidz What’s New: Educational retail toys and art supplies for sale, so little ones and parents can continue creative playtime at home.

Picasso Kidz, a Greenlawn-based art studio, sells creative toy brands, such as Fat Brain Toys and ZoLO, to inspire children to learn and have fun at the same time.

Fat Brain Toys are hands-on, educationally stimulating toys that help children develop design and visual-spatial skills. ZoLO toys are quirky and colorful and made for open-ended play.

Picasso Kidz also sells a diverse selection of art supplies, including sketching books, coloring books, markers, and paintbrushes.

Want More Info: 72 Broadway, Greenlawn; 631-261-5500; picassokidz.com 8

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Picasso Kidz

Greenlawn Art Studio Sells Creative Toys and Art Supplies

“Art is very beneficial to all aspects of child development,” says Michelle Daddino, owner of Picasso Kidz.

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UOTABLES That first baby learning curve is steep, and there is no way to relax when, for the first time ever, you are responsible for something as huge as a human life with the tiniest toes you’ve ever seen.

—Jill Krause, in a post entitled “if i knew then what i know now,” on her blog babyrabies.com

in an instagram Rainy day women portrait mode?!)

(also anyone else obsessed with the #iPhone

(Posted by @augustabelle, aka Belle Augusta Savransky, an East Village mom and photographer whose website is belleaugusta.com)

A SPECIAL MILESTONE

in an instagram She’ll be taking herself to school before I know it.

#igotthismom

(Posted by @chanynck, aka Chanyn Cheree Kirtman, who blogs at styliststandpoint.com)

“I know many moms have a hard time finding their footing in the career world after they have kids. I’ve already gotten over the fact that I’m not meant to be just a mom. It’s a beautiful life, it’s an unforgiving life and it’s not the life I want. I don’t feel sorry about it. Mama wants a career, kids. Sorry not sorry.

—Brittany Minor, in a post entitled “Where the Hell did My 5-Year Plan Go?!” on mom.me

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

“The museum combines the history of cacao and chocolate with hands-on activities to make your own chocolate, and, the best part—chocolate tastings. The kids may want to breeze through the historical part of the museum, but it is definitely worth bringing them to try samples, play in the kids’ area, and make their own chocolate.”

—Samantha Neudorf in an article entitled “A Look Into New York City’s First-Ever Chocolate Museum” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/chocolate-museum.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: FUN IN SPRING: Download a free guide to the top Spring activities in the New York area (nymetroparents.com/spring-activities).

PLAN YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER: Find the perfect camp at nymetroparents.com/camp-finder.

HOPPIN’ GOOD TIME: Find local Easter events at nymetroparents.com/easter-nyc.

MAKE YOUR OWN MATZAH: A Passover activity for the whole family (nymetroparents.com/matzah).

CAMPS SCHOOLS &

Anton Media Group’s monthly supplement devoted to all things camps and schools.

Topics like special needs camps, kids’ finance, book reviews, college move-in tips, day care, scholarship and testing tips plus much more, each and every month.

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NYMP Q&A

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

icole Feliciano is the founder of Momtrends.com, which offers trends and tips for moms who want to live a fashionable life. Her book Mom Boss: Balancing Entrepreneurship, Kids & Success was recently published.

What is a “mom boss”? There are some women who really want to create a brand and do something like I have. If you’re looking to take a skill you’ve already got—say you’re a lawyer or you’re a consultant and you want to start up on your own— my tip would be to start getting some freelance clients before you quit your day job and see what it’s like, see what those hours turn out to be, how much money are you making per hour, could you live off of that salary if you project out what that’s going to look like in six or 12 months. But really focus on, “Where is my income going to come from and how is this going to affect my family life?” It’s a unique proposal when you’re a mom boss because I think a lot of entrepreneurs start and all they need is a great idea and the time and energy to throw into it. When you’re a mom entrepreneur you also have to factor in where your family is going to fit. You can’t work around-theclock when you’ve got young kids at home.

Why do you think so many women, especially moms, are turning to entrepreneurship? I think it’s the deaf ears of corporations and the lack of flexibility in the workspace. So many of the women I spoke to said they just got so tired of asking for permission or for missing out on the moments of childhood and parenting that they were so invested in. A lot of women invest a lot of time and energy into their careers and then when they finally have kids they want to be super present; they’ve waited so long for this moment to happen and they don’t want to miss their memories. And workplaces have not flexed to accommodate the needs of working mothers. And mom boss life allows you to grow at the pace that you want to grow. When my kids were little, I was just kind of keeping the business small, and then as they’ve gotten older I’ve been able to ramp it up, and I’ve got more bandwidth to take on work projects, [so] I’ve been able to grow it at my pace.

What advice do you have for moms who want to start their own business? I would definitely suggest making a one-year map for yourself. And that’s going to have the profitability. Where is that going to come from? I think a lot of women figure out products that are sellable that people will be attracted to buy but they don’t build in all of the expenses that go into marketing and building this product. So I’d love to see women spend more time and effort or get a coach or do networking where they can find a business partner who can walk them through the actual expenses of a business.

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The Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh Street, Garden City Long Island, NY 11530 LongIslandParent 13

DIY CORNER MATH FUN

Stitching Stars

Sometimes equations are too hard to solve, even for professionals! For these problems, people invent methods that are easy to compute and approximate the solution. This branch of mathematics is called Numerical Analysis. These numerical algorithms are usually done on a computer, and by doing more calculations you can make your approximate solution as good as you need. Curve stitching is a way to approximate a curve by drawing only straight lines, without any computation needed.

The closer you draw the lines together, the better the approximation to the curve you make. We can use the same technique to make a variety of curves and shapes that can be turned into beautiful art.

Materials Pencil and eraser Manila folder or very lightweight cardboard Ruler Pushpin

Corrugated cardboard or a bath towel Scissors Thread (embroidery thread, yarn, or other thick thread) Blunt needle

Stitch a Star 1. Using a pencil, lightly draw two lines in the shape of a plus sign on your manila folder. (Don’t press too hard; you’re going to erase them later.) Using your ruler, make even marks from the center point and moving outward along each line.

2. Using the pushpin, carefully poke a hole at each mark on your folder. This is easier to do if you put your folder over something that you can push pins into safely, such as a piece of corrugated cardboard or a thick, folded towel.

3. Lightly number two of the lines as shown (fig. 2).

4. Cut a piece of thread about the length of your arm and thread it onto your needle.

5. Starting from the back of your folder, push the needle through the hole you labeled No. 1. That is at the tip of your star. As you pull the thread through the hole, stop when there are a few inches still sticking through and tape the end of the thread down on the back of the folder very securely. Tug on the thread a little to make sure it won’t slip through.

Fig. 2: Lightly number two of the lines.

14

Fig. 4: Make a short stitch through the back of hole No. 2. From the front, connect the two No. 2 holes with another long stitch.

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

6. Your needle should be on the front side of your folder now. Push the needle down through the other hole marked No. 1 to make a long stitch. Your thread should connect the two dots.

7. Starting on the backside of your folder again, push the needle through the hole right next to it, which should be hole No. 2, making a short stitch. Then, from the front side, you can make another long stitch to connect both No. 2 holes (fig. 4).

8. Continue like this for the rest of the holes. You should have long stitches on the front side of your folder, and short stitches on the back. When you run out of thread, tape the end down on the back of your folder, cut another piece of thread, thread your needle, and keep going! When you’ve finished your curve, tape the end of the thread on the back of the folder and trim any long ends (fig. 5).

9. S titch the other three parabolas in the same way to finish your four-pointed star! You can number the other axes if you need to. Experiment with using different colors for your lines (fig. 6).

10. Gently erase any visible pencil marks.

Excerpted from Math Lab for Kids by Rebecca Rapoport and J.A. Yoder with permission of Quarry Books

Fig. 5: Continue like this for the rest of the holes.

Fig. 6: Stitch the other three parabolas in the same way.

Jim Lee

SWEEPSTAKES

Your Child Can Be IN the Circus! ›› Enter for a chance to win a unique opportunity to see your kid on stage.

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YMetroParents has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky child to have a part in an upcoming performance of Circus 1903 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden! The winner’s family will be sitting in premier seats while your child is invited to join the performers on stage. Kids dream about being in the circus—now yours may have a chance to make that dream come true!

Go to nymetroparents.com/circus to enter.

The Grand Prize winner’s celebrity moment will take place at the 6pm performance on Saturday, April 15, and the winner will receive four free premium tickets to the show. In addition, two second-prize winners will each receive a family four-pack of tickets to a Circus 1903 show in April.

Enter today to for a chance to win this unique opportunity to make a memory that will last forever. There is no charge for entry; simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/circus.

More About Circus 1903

A brand-new show, Circus 1903 is the circus reimagined—more than two hours of edge-of-your-seat entertainment with an incredible cast of the most unique, spellbinding, and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the globe. Sensational puppetry puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before while Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the magic of the circus. *No purchase necessary. Open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, a legal resident of, and located within, 100 miles of New York City at the time of entry, who are the parent or legal guardian of a child born between April 12, 2005, and March 21, 2012. Ends 11:59pm ET April 11, 2017. Must be available to attend 6pm performance on April 15, 2017 if Grand Prize winner. Void outside stated area and where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details.

7th annual Sunday, April 30 • 10:00 am - 4:30 pm New BIGGER Location • Huntington Hilton • 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville 80+ Diverse Exhibitors Tons of Fun Kids’ Classes Sophie and Ally from Chopped Junior Chloe of Spanish “The Voice Kids"

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TICKETS: Buy online or at the event!

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LongIslandParent 15

The Ultimate Party-Planning Timeline ›› How to give your kids the birthday of their dreams—without driving yourself crazy in the process By Bethany Braun-Silva

K

ids may look forward to their birthday parties all year long, but let’s face it: For many of us, planning that party can be stressful, yet another project in our already hectic lives. It can feel overwhelming even before you consider kids’ high expectations for the perfect birthday. But don’t panic— we are here to help! To keep you organized, here’s a timeline of everything you need to make the planning process run smoothly, whether you are hosting the party at home or at one of the many local birthday party places. From when to book the venue to when to buy supplies (hint, not as early as you may think!), we’ve got you covered.

Six Months Prior

This might seem like a very long time in advance to start planning your child’s birthday party, but if you’re thinking of doing it at a party venue, it can book up fast. Now is the time to start getting an idea of what your child wants, including themes, places, and the size of the guest list. It wouldn’t hurt to start calling possible venues about availability.

Three Months Prior

Book the venue! Better to be safe than sorry.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Start thinking about a theme. If your child is old enough, discuss it with him. You can start putting together a Pinterest board to collect all of your ideas and inspiration. This is also a great way to get the birthday boy or girl involved, says Seri Kertzner, owner of Little Miss Party Planner, a party planning service in New York City and the Hamptons. “Kids love talking and planning for a specific theme especially when it comes to the look of the cake,” she says. “Let your little one help you sketch a picture of the cake to show your bakery.”

Do you want entertainment at your child’s party? Now is the time to start thinking about booking clowns, magicians, or any characters that will make an appearance. Be sure to ask all entertainers about set-up requirements and backups in case they are sick.

Two Months Prior

Confirm the date with the venue and go over the details. Be sure to find out what they will be providing in the way of food, cake, decorations, and favors. Pick menu items and décor and make a list of anything additional you will need to buy or prepare. Make arrangements to get whatever is not provided by the venue.

This is also a good time to start thinking about the guest list.

If your child’s in school, there might be a policy in which all children in her class must be invited. If not, decide on the size of the party and be sure to keep your budget in mind. Many venues offer parties for 10-12 kids and can charge a hefty price for additional guests.

One Month Prior

Mail (or email) invitations and make sure they have a clear RSVP date. This is also another prime opportunity to get your child involved. The experts at MarthaStewart.com suggest, “Have him or her draw on paper (or a blank puzzle) and color in the designs, cut out pictures to glue onto blank invitations, or put stickers on cards.”

Make sure you line up help for the day of the party. Confirm that a babysitter, close friend, or relative will be on hand to help in whatever way you need.

Start shopping for supplies. “You don’t want to shop too far in advance for kids ages 3-6 years old—that may be too early,” says Marla Mase, owner of Party Poopers, a party planning company in NYC. “Remember, kids change their minds a lot— and what they liked three months ago may be very different than what they like today.”

Two Weeks Prior

Order the cake if you don’t plan on baking it yourself. And if you are baking it yourself, check the recipe, make your shopping list, and get the necessary ingredients.

snacks, and movies, and you’re set if you find you need to make a last-minute change,” Kertzner says.

The Day of the Party

Deep breaths! Hopefully, you have planned far enough ahead to only need to take care of a few minor details and do prep work on the big day. Here are some things to consider: • Get the house ready for the big day.

• Decorate, set the table, prepare activities, and confirm with entertainment that morning.

• Bake or pick up the cake.

• Know where the candles and matches are.

• Set up the food.

• Clear a table for presents.

• Make sure to have a pad and pen on hand when you open presents to record who gave what.

Finally, “Be relaxed!” Kertzner says. “The most important thing is for your kids to have a good time. If you chose a good venue they will take care of every detail so you can be a guest and enjoy your child’s party.”

Several Days After

Write thank you notes. Have your child assist you in thanking her guests for coming to her party. Younger kids can dictate their message to you or draw a picture on the notes; older kids can sign their names, while those who can write their own notes should do so themselves.

If the party is at home, start thinking of games and activities for the children to play. There are plenty of online resources with ideas, and be sure to ask your child because he may have a very specific idea of what he wants to do at the party.

One Week Prior

The party is getting close! This is the time to start tying up loose ends and confirming all details are correct.

Follow up on any unanswered invitations.

Prepare the goodie bags. You’ll need the bags themselves, of course, and the contents to go in them. And remember, you can give small games, pencils and erasers, or even small books in addition to, or instead of, candy, to cut down on the sugar.

Make sure you have enough storage on your phone for pictures. Time to make some tough decisions! But better than being caught without a camera available at the party.

Get the space ready. If you are having the party at home, now is a time to clean, clear space, and move valuables and breakable things out of the way.

If the party is not at home, confirm the timeline with your venue. What is the order of activities? When should the food arrive? And so on.

Have a back-up plan. “If you’re hosting a party outdoors you must have a back-up plan, including a space indoors. Check the weather and two days out make your call. Board games,

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Detox the Toy Box

››

Simple steps to reduce your kids’ exposure to environmental hazards where they sleep and play By Emma Steven

T

he majority of Americans have at least 300 different environmental chemicals in their blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include flame retardants in crib mattresses, formaldehyde in furniture, bisphenol A (BPA) in food, and phthalates in toys and toiletries; it’s enough to make even the most laid back parent anxious.

Feeling overwhelmed? Here are some simple things you can do to help green your home, starting with kids’ rooms and playrooms.

Reality Check

The most common dangers at home are lead, pesticides, flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, cleaning products, and air pollutants. Before you start freaking out, give yourself a break— you can’t possibly stop your children from coming into contact with these chemicals completely. “I know that feeling of being the frontline of protection for your family, and it’s exhausting,” says Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. “It’s not possible, and it’s not necessary.”

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Beware of Lead Paint

If your home was built before 1978, have it inspected for lead paint. Dust and flakes are dangerous to children, who breathe in more than adults and put their hands in their mouths a lot. Make sure any renovations are properly sealed, and check paint regularly for chips. Vacuum and wipe down surfaces weekly, using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. My son’s lead levels became elevated last year after a workman scraped off lead paint from a door in his room without taking precautions.

Don’t Use Bug Treatments

A 2015 study found that use of household insecticides was connected to increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma in kids.

Look for natural ways of controlling pests, such as blocking off access and vacuuming regularly. Never use pesticides in children’s rooms, and if you have to use them on your pets, keep them away from your kids and high-traffic areas for at least 24 hours.

A Safe Night’s Sleep

“The one thing you should do in your kid’s room is buy a new non-toxic mattress,” says Maia James, founder of the website Gimme The Good Stuff and a healthy home consultant. Many conventional mattresses are made from petroleum-based polyurethane foam covered with vinyl containing phthalates and sprayed with flame retardants. All of these things offgas while your child is asleep. Don’t use hand-me-downs; mattresses made before 2005 may contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), highly toxic fire retardants that are now banned.

There are lots of manufacturers who now make mattresses without flame retardants, and if you want to go even further, buy one made of natural materials such as cotton and wool and that has been certified by an independent body such as GreenGuard or Oeko-Tex. Don’t use pillows or changing pads that contain foam; replace them with organic wool or cotton instead. Finally, make sure you wash any new bedding, as lots of textiles are processed with dyes and formaldehyde.

Beds, Dressers, and More

When buying kids’ furniture, the best choice is solid wood rubbed with oil and made with non-toxic glues. However this isn’t an option for everyone due to budget or decor. The biggest dangers are flame retardants in foam and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde from composite wood, paint, furniture glue, and varnishes. The good news is that all furniture is becoming safer, thanks to laws that limit offgassing. Look for brands with low emission standards such as California Air Resources Board (CARB or European equivalents) and foam without flame retardants. Avoid products with stainor water-resistant finishes, which can contain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). There are low- or no-VOC paints and varnishes available, and if you have already renovated you can buy sealants to stop off-gasing.

Get a Wool Rug

Choose solid wood floors and natural flooring, as some carpets and their glues can off-gas formaldehyde and acetone.

Avoid vinyl tiles (which can contain phthalates) and don’t forget rugs. “One simple thing I tell people to do is get a wool rug,” James says. Studies have shown that wool flooring absorbs formaldehyde and nitrogen, making it a great choice for kids’ rooms.

CHEMICAL GLOSSARY Flame Retardants Found in polyurethane foam, such as nursing pillows, mattresses, changing pads, and car seats, as well as electronic items such as remote controls. Known carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors. A recent study found that levels in the bodies of children were nearly five times higher than their mothers.

Phthalates Found in personal care products, soft plastic toys (especially polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), teethers, vinyl clothes, some paints, air fresheners (parfum), food, and plastic food containers. Linked to a variety of health problems, including asthma, allergies, male infertility, and abnormal hormonal development.

Bisphenol A (BPA) Found in plastic bottles and utensils, sippy cups, teethers, bottled formula, and canned food. Known endocrine disruptor that has been linked to breast cancer. Its replacement, bisphenol S (BPS), is also thought to be toxic.

Formaldehyde Found in composite wood, furniture and carpet glues, and cleaning and personal care products. Known carcinogen. Causes asthma, eye and throat irritation, and allergies.

Triclosan Found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, and hand sanitizers.

Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, liver toxicity, and thyroid dysfunction. Recently banned by the Food and Drug Administration for use in hand soaps.

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) Found in waterproof and stainproof shoes and clothes, furniture, and carpets. Suspected to be carcinogenic and to cause liver and thyroid problems.

Parabens Used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals Some have been linked to endocrine disruption, sperm damage, breast cancer, and neurological and hormonal conditions.

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Use Air-Cleaning Plants

Put a spider plant or peace lily on your kid’s dresser—not only will it look good, it will also improve the air quality.

“Houseplants are surprisingly effective,” James says. In 1989, NASA conducted a now-famous study that revealed many common houseplants were able to filter VOCs such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene.

Oceanside

Swap Plastic Toys for Natural Materials

The good news is you don’t have to throw away all of your kids plastic toys, Lunder says. “The really toxic phthalates have been banned from kids’ toys, and plastics are pretty hard to avoid,” she explains. “It’s nice to minimize plastic, but it’s almost impossible to avoid.” Some plastics are marked with a recycling symbol and a number, to tell you what sort of

continued on page 21 ››

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plastic they are; avoid anything marked with a “3” or made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC (such as beach balls), as these often have phthalates in them. Get rid of soft plastic bath toys and books, and don’t let young kids put plastic toys in their mouths. Use toys and teethers made of natural materials, such as wood and cloth, instead of plastic. Don’t let kids play with polycarbonate water bottles or containers (marked with a “7” or PC), as these are most likely to contain BPA, or chew on electronics such as phones and remotes, as they can contain flame retardants. Finally, be careful with kid’s jewelry; it can contain lead and cadmium.

Clean Up Safely

Break out that vacuum regularly in kids’ rooms and play areas to get rid of toxins that collect in dust. Choose one with a HEPA filter and follow up with a wet mop as often as possible.

With cleaning products less is more. “Disinfecting products are simply not necessary outside a clinical setting,” Lunder says. Many contain strong chemicals that cause asthma, skin irritation, and even cancer. Warm water and soap is enough for daily cleaning. For something stronger, look for active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or citric acid. Using microfiber cloths and mops will also make it easier to clean up without chemicals.

Wash Your Hands

Get rid of the hand sanitizer by the changing mat and don’t use it on your kids’ hands. It may contain triclosan, trilocarbon, or fragrances, which are suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Triclosan was recently banned by the Food and Drug Administration and is also found in antibacterial soap.

Lose the Air Fresheners

Throw away the air freshener, as it may contain phthalates among other nasties. James recommends a low-fi option: activated charcoal bags. Charcoal is a natural air purifier and may absorb some toxins, as well as bad odors. If you want to go one step further, buy an air filter such as the Austin Air Healthmate, which filters gases, odors, and particles. Finally remember to open windows often, as indoor air often contains higher levels of VOCs such as formaldehyde.

A Bright Start at the

Fire island school district

ENROLL TODAY for the 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

Woodhull School focuses on creating a nurturing learning environment inclusive of: • Full-day prekindergarten and kindergarten program

• Committed to mindfulness and character education

• Small class size with individualized instruction

• Dynamic art and music program

• Unique National Park setting • Robust environmental education program • Technology-integrated instruction, including 1:1 laptop initiative

• Extracurricular offerings, including swimming, tennis, clubs and field trips • Daily physical education • Low annual tuition rates

Questions? Contact 631-583-5626 or visit www.fi.k12.ny.us Do you still need to find a summer camp?

ResouRces ARticles

Activism for Change

Now for some good news: “Levels of BPA, triclosan, parabens, and some phthalate levels in blood have gone down between 2003 and 2014,” Lunder says. This is thanks to increased awareness and new laws and regulations. So speak up and support groups such as the Environmental Working Group that is campaigning to change legislation, and educate your friends and family to make smart choices. “It’s not a job that one person can do on their own, we have to change it on a national level,” Lunder says.

Useful Resources: • EWG.org • EPA.gov • CDC.gov

• GimmeTheGoodStuff.org • visual.ly/nasa-guide-air-filtering-houseplants • ceh.org/residential-furniture

Find everything you need, faster at

LongIslandParent 21

Greenport

Port Jefferson Riverhead Stony Brook

Brookhaven

Spotlight

on Stony Brook to Riverhead LOCAL BUSINESSES ››

Alternatives For Children

APRIL EVENTS ›› Baby Animal Days

WHEN: April 8-16, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Visit with a variety of baby animals including lambs, bunnies, chicks, and goats.

WANT TO GO? $5 for entrance to farm animals, Family Fun Fields, and hayride. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

It’s a Disappearing Act!

WHEN: Saturday, April 15 and Monday, April 17, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore how animals hide in nature and create an animal that can disappear.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Easter Brunch Plus Day of Fun!

WHEN: Sunday, April 16, 10am, 12pm, or 2pm seatings WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet breakfast, make a holiday craft, visit with the Easter bunny, and take part in the penguin egg hunt from 10am-3pm.

WANT TO GO? $49.95; $24.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-208-9200 x426. longislandaquarium.com.

Spring Fever Music and Arts Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11am-10pm WHERE: Long Island Sports Park, 159 Edwards Ave., Calverton AGES: All WHAT: This event for the entire family offers a variety of vendors for all ages as well as a line up of seven live bands.

WANT TO GO? 631-698-6230. longislandsportspark.com.

Fling into Spring Carnival

WHEN: April 21-23, Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 11am-9pm; and Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Join Heritage Trust and Newton Shows for rides, games, and food at this annual carnival.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, ticket purchase required for rides.

631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Aquebogue, Dix Hills, East Setauket, and Southampton 631-331-6400 alternatives4children.org Licensed day care, Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education evaluations, and provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Kids Country Day Camp

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Kids Country Day Camp is a 10-acre recreational children’s (ages 3-12) summer camp filled with indoor and outdoor adventure, sports, activities, and special events.

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) For birthdays: 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com This FINtastic destination features an amazing coral reef display, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, sea lion shows, penguins, stingrays, touch tanks, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences.

Lyrical Children’s Preschool & Learning Center & Kreative Kidz Party Zone

4492 Middle Country Road, Calverton 631-208-4003 lyricalchildren.com; lyricalchildrenmusic.com Lyrical Children offers many fun programs for families in northeastern Suffolk including Music Together® from Setauket to Southold, plus classes and parties at the preschool and learning center located in Calverton.

My Gym – Stony Brook

1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mygym.com/stonybrook; stonybrook@mygym.com The experts in children’s fitness. State-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, and award-winning programs have earned My Gym the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind.

St. Isidore School

515 Marcy Ave., Riverhead 631-727-1650 sisriverhead.com An extension of your family. Pre-K through eighth grade programs combine Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence. Call anytime for a tour.

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on Fling into Spring Carnival (No. 8 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

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ents. ropar

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

EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER suffolkcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR 24 Editor’s Hot Tickets

29 Fun Fairs & Festivals

26 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!,

Crafty Kids

30 Animal Lovers,

Holiday Fun

27 Special Needs,

Must-Sees in NYC

32 Smarty Pants,

The Great Outdoors

28 Show Time!,

Movers & Shakers

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

1

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!

1

Cuisine & Confessions

WHEN: April 1-2, Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 4pm WHERE: Staller Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The company’s acrobats combine kitchen appliances, food, and recipes with elaborate choreography, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and pulsating music.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A clever mash-up of cooking and acrobats!

WANT TO GO? $42; $21 for children younger than 1. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

2

Tulipfest

WHEN: April 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy family photos in the tulips, play in the Family Fun Fields, and visit friendly farm animals.

WHY WE LOVE IT: What a great way to kick off spring!

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

3

The ‘Bash the Trash’ Show! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 4, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn about the secret lives of instruments while exploring the science behind them.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Marvel at how everyday objects have been recycled into beautiful instruments.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

4

‘Alice in Wonderland’

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2pm and 7pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Featuring colourful characters such as the White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and, of course, the boisterous Queen of Hearts, Alice in Wonderland has delighted audiences young and old for generations.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A handful of actors and puppeteers play more than 20 unforgettable characters using their ingenious stagecraft and limitless possibilities of imagination to bring this beloved story to life.

WANT TO GO? $23 and up. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.org.

Harlem Globetrotters 2017 World Tour

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 7pm WHERE: Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game for an autograph, photograph, and high-five session for fans.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

WANT TO GO? $26.50 and up. 516-231-4848. ticketmaster.com.

5

6

Easter Brunch + Day of Fun

WHEN: Sunday, April 16, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead

Child Day Care Center

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet breakfast, make a holiday craft, visit with the Easter Bunny, and stay for the Penguin Egg Hunt at 3pm.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We love brunch with the Easter bunny!

WANT TO GO? $49.95; $24.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

7

Early Intervention Birth-3 yrs Preschool Special Education 3-5 yrs Integrated Nursery School Classes Evaluations Birth-6 yrs Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy Service Coordination & Family Support Services Developmentally Appropriate/Safe Playground Full Time Nurse

For Children

Alternatives for Children is approved/licensed by the NYS DOH, NYSED, NYS OCFS, Nassau/Suffolk County Divisions of Services for Children with Special Needs.

Services for eligible children are provided at no outof-pocket cost to families. Funding for these programs is through NYSED, NYS DOH and Suffolk/Nassau DOH.

AQUEBOGUE 1116 Main Road 631-722-2170 EAST SETAUKET 14 Research Way 631-331-6400 DIX HILLS 600 S. Service Road 631-271-0777 SOUTHAMPTON 168 Hill Street 631-283-3272

Adopt Me Portraits FREE

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 3-4pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will paint or draw portraits of adoptable shelter animals. Each picture will be donated to the local animal shelter, which will help to promote each animal’s adoption.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A sweet, clever way to find these pets their forever homes.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Fling into Spring Carnival

WHEN: April 21-23, Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Join Heritage Trust and Newton Shows for rides, games, and food at this annual carnival.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Carnival rides are irresistible.

WANT TO GO? Ride ticket prices vary. 631-384-8900.

Saving money on a New York City msheritagetrust.org.

LOOKING FOR

Register for the 2017–2018 School Year, Grades Pre-K through Grade 8

8

Saving money on LOOKING FOR St. Isidore School | Principal: Ms. Helen Anne Livingston

515 Marcy Ave Riverhead, NY 11901 | (631) 727-1650 | www.sisriverhead.com

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An Extension of Your Family

Scholarship • Integrity • Service • Pre-K through Grade 8 •

El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia del los Libros FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 30, 2-3pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: There will be stories, games, and crafts from different cultures.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This nationally recognized initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for children from all backgrounds.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

The best and cleanest birthday party place in Long Island!

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All Kids Fair

WHEN: Sunday, April 30, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Huntington Hilton, Grand Ballroom, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this celebration of life on Long Island for Cityguideny.com has coupons and kids and their families with a bounce house, petting zoo, discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, popcorn, sand art, face painting, balloons, craft projects, chocolate restaurants, stores and more. samples, and more. Now in a new, bigger location to accommodate a larger Greatcrowd.

New York deals, savings, special WHY LOVE IT:discounts—for There will be more than 80 exhibitors introducing offersWE and deep you and local andyours services, your products family—are withplus just kids’ a classes for all ages including gymnastics, ballet, music, and messy toddler art. click of the mouse.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children 2 and younger. 516-621-1446. allkidsfair.com. ››

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LongIslandParent 25

CRAFTY KIDS Messy Immature Paintings

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Come get messy and make an immature masterpiece. Choose from a variety of fun objects to make your next immature painting.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Hands-On Art

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

WHEN: Thursday, April 6, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn the elements of art, using different materials to create your own masterpiece. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.

Innovation Celebration FREE

Special Family-Friendly Class: Sea Horsing Around

Family Drop-In Day FREE

Pop Art in Fashion

Spring Fever Music and Arts Festival FREE

Build-a-Boat Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 1-4pm WHERE: Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach AGES: All WHAT: Experience the Library’s Virtual Reality system, watch a 3-D printer, drive a Sphero robot, take a picture with the green screen, and more.

WANT TO GO? 631-585-9393. mcplibrary.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 11am-1pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Families may tour the Edible Eden exhibition in the art museum and enjoy games, crafts, and other related family activities.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11am-10pm WHERE: LI Sports Park, 159 Edwards Ave., Calverton AGES: All WHAT: This event for the entire family offers a variety of vendors for all ages, as well as a line up of seven live bands.

WANT TO GO? 631-698-6230. eventbrite.com.

Sound Off! (Save Long Island Sound) FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 12-4pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A hands-on afternoon for the whole family to learn the importance of Long Island Sound.

WANT TO GO? 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Bicycle Rodeo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 10am-1pm WHERE: Brookhaven’s Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Featuring roads with turning lane arrows, a railroad crossing, two one-way tunnels to teach children the dangers of one-way streets, and timed traffic lights, Safety Town enables children to learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting.

WANT TO GO? 631-363-3770. brookhavenny.gov.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 1pm WHERE: Pinot’s Palette, 61 W. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Painting this colorful sea horse will make you want to kick your shoes off and play in the sand.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-446-4777. pinotspalette.com/bayshore.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 10am-12pm WHERE: The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn how pop artists influenced fashion over the decades, and create your own wearable design. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $25. 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.

WHEN: April 11-13, Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Imagine, design, and create your own wooden vessel. Hot glue guns used; adult supervision required.

WANT TO GO? $8 with admission: $6; $5 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

WHEN: April 8-22, Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take a tour of the galleries and create art through hands-on activities. Each month features different art materials and techniques inspired by the works on view.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 18. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.

CityBound Must-Sees in

N Y C Courtesy TBC

Open Studio for Families

High Arts Showcase XIII FREE

WHEN: April 1-22, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 12-4pm WHERE: Huntington Arts Council Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Local high schools will be exhibiting works by their junior and senior students.

WANT TO GO? 631-271-8423. huntingtonarts.org.

Mud Painting FREE

Mermaid Special Family-Friendly Painting

WHEN: Sunday, April 30, 2pm WHERE: Pinot’s Palette, 61 W. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Easy to paint for all levels of painters and customizable, in case your little Picasso wants a pink mermaid tail and lime green hair.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-446-4777. pinotspalette.com/bayshore.

See the real-life Kratt brothers live on stage.

Wild on the Upper West Side April brings another hit TV show to the stage. This month it’s the Emmy-nominated PBS show, Wild Kratts. In Wild Kratts Live! kids learn about the natural world and have fun—with puppets, animation, and the Kratt brothers themselves. Your kids will come away excited about nature and animals, and they might learn something new, too. April 30, 2pm and 6pm.

Age: All. $45-$65. Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Upper West Side. 212-465-6225. beacontheatre.com.

Courtesy New York International Auto Show

WHEN: Monday, April 24, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Using your own mixed mud paint, create a textured painting to bring home. Dress for a mess.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Creative Arts Program FREE

WHEN: April 1-June 17, Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm and 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: YMCA East Hampton RECenter, 2 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton AGES: 4-11 WHAT: These programs offer a creative outlet for children to learn to paint, write, draw, or act. The first session is for ages 4-6 and second is for ages 7-11.

WANT TO GO? 631-329-6884. ymcali.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Sky Zone Cares

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Mondays, 3-6pm WHERE: Sky Zone Deer Park, 111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Each first Monday of the month for children and adults with special needs, Sky Zone dials down the music, increases the staff ratio, and limits capacity.

WANT TO GO? $16 per hour. 631-392-2600. skyzone.com/deerpark.

Special Olympics Bowling at the All Star

WHEN: Through Dec. 1: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: The All Star, 96 Main Road, Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Bowlers with special needs are invited to bowl on the main lanes and experience the arcade with the latest games.

WANT TO GO? $10 for two games. 631-998-3565. theallstar.com. ››

The show is a fun day out if you have little car fans in your family.

Automobiles for All Buckle up and head on down to the Javits Center. If your kids like cars you won’t want to miss the New York International Auto Show, which is the oldest and one of the most famous automotive shows in the U.S. In addition to the new cars on display, many exhibitors have activities specifically for kids.

Last year’s show included diggers, teen safety education, and interactive displays. Strollers are welcome, making it a great day out for all ages. April 14-23; Monday-Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm. Age: All. $17; $7 for children (ages 2-12); free for children 2 and younger. Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea. autoshowny.com.

LongIslandParent 27

AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: In this version, Little Red Riding Hood is a little girl wolf and she must outsmart the humans in this animal-friendly, audienceparticipation play.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children; free for children younger than 3. 516293-0674. arenaplayers.org.

‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’

SHOW TIME!

WHEN: Through April 30: Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo escape from the Central Park Zoo and find themselves in Madagascar.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

‘Curious George and the Golden Meatball’

Hampton Ballet Theatre School Presents ‘Cinderella’

WHEN: Through April 2: Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 12pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical.

WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

The Liverpool Shuffle

WHEN: Sunday, April 9, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: This Beatles tribute band is accompanied by a montage on the planetarium dome of 1960s photos, news clips, and other popcultural moments.

WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children ages 5-15; free for children younger than 5. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Charlotte’s Web Live’

WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 11am WHERE: YMCA Boulton Center, 37 W. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: All WHAT: Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte the spider begins her campaign with the “miracle” of her web when she writes, “Some pig.”

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-969-1101. boultoncenter.org.

Kids Performing for Kids: ‘Annie Jr.’

WHEN: Through April 15: Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved, award-winning musicals.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.

WHEN: April 29-30, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: John Drew Theater at Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The performers are all dedicated, trained dancers of the Hampton Ballet Theatre School along with guest artists Nicholas Sipes as Prince Charming.

WANT TO GO? $30; $25 children. 888-933-4287. hamptonballettheatreschool.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

WHEN: April 15-May 6, Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Benjamin Bunny, and the McGregors come to life in this heartfelt adaptation, based on the immortal characters created by Beatrix Potter.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Mommy & Me Class

WHEN: Through April 6: Thursdays, 10-11am WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This gentle introduction to life in a group is structured with the children’s developmental stage in mind and activities engage the senses in various ways.

WANT TO GO? $12 per class; $50 for the series. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

Free Tinkergarten Nature Play Trial Class FREE

Family Movie Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 21, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Come watch Finding Dory.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Red Creek Park, 100 Old Riverhead Road, Hampton Bays AGES: 3-5 WHAT: In this free trial class, Tinkergarten leader Shariee Calderone will facilitate an expert-designed play scenario.

WANT TO GO? 516-672-1395. tinkergarten.com.

‘Little Red Revisited’

Music and Movement

WHEN: April 1-22, Saturdays, 1pm WHERE: Carriage House Theater at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport 28

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5

WHAT: Musical instruments and sing-along songs get the youngest children’s bodies moving.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

AHRC Suffolk’s Polar Bear Splash

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10am WHERE: Bay Shore Marina, South Clinton Street, Bay Shore AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 students; free for children younger than 13.

631-585-0100. ahrcsuffolk.org.

Music with Miss Lori FREE

WHEN: Through April 28: Fridays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing and dance with Miss Lori and her guitar as she celebrates the seasons.

WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.

Parents Night Out

WHEN: April 1-29, Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm; Saturdays, 6-9pm WHERE: Tumbling Tunes, 212 Laurel Road, East Northport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a night out while your children enjoy a night doing gymnastics, creative play, crafts, games, and more. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $12 per hour; $17 for two siblings; $20 for three siblings. 631-697-0140. tumblingtunes.com.

Sport Academy FREE

WHEN: April 1-June 10, Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: YMCA East Hampton RECenter, 2 Gingerbread Lane, Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This progressive program, with multiple age-specific levels provides professional instruction to learn, lead, and succeed.

WANT TO GO? 631-329-6884. ymcali.org.

Sky Wars

WHEN: Through Dec. 26: Wednesdays, 4-9pm WHERE: Sky Zone Mount Sinai, 269 Route 25A, Mount Sinai AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take part in epic Nerf battles on trampoline courts.

WANT TO GO? $22 for a two-hour session. 631-938-1420. skyzone.com/mountsinai.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Spring Family Freshwater Fishing Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 10am-4pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Road, North Babylon AGES: All WHAT: Children’s activities will include a casting contest.

WANT TO GO? $8 parking fee. 631-667-5055. nysparks.com.

Spring Carnival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11am-3pm WHERE: West Hills Day Camp, 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Fun and games for the whole family.

WANT TO GO? 631-427-6700. westhillsdaycamp.com.

Spring Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 10:30am-4:30pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate spring with environmental exhibitions, kids’ fishing, a petting zoo, castle bouncer, live animal encounters, and more.

WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Arbor Day Festival

WHEN: April 29-30, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Greenhouse Classroom, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Activities include stilt walkers, caricaturists, and more. Proceeds benefit Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park.

WANT TO GO? $20 per vehicle. 516-922-3200. plantingfields.org.

Herb Fest

WHEN: April 29-30, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate spring and Earth Day on the farm. Discover the health benefits of herbs in workshops scheduled throughout the weekend.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com. ›› LongIslandParent 29

WHAT: Explore how animals hide in nature and create an animal that can disappear.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Earth Day Celebration with Jungle Bob FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 11am WHERE: Seatuck Environmental Center, 550 S. Bay Ave., Islip AGES: All WHAT: Get up close and personal with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Celebrate and learn about these amazing animals.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-6908. seatuck.org.

Jungle Bob Live

ANIMAL LOVERS Meet Jungle Bob

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2-3pm WHERE: Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue AGES: All WHAT: Meet Jungle Bob as he brings the wonders of nature to life with a live animal program, including snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 3. 631-7376474. junglebobsreptileworld.com.

Spring Break Workshops for Children

WHEN: April 10-12, Monday-Wednesday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Join in on spring school break workshops to discuss fish and whales on Monday; carnivores and herbivores on Tuesday; and butterflies and moths on Wednesday.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Opening Weekend

WHEN: April 13-15, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm: Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo, 638 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the forthcoming baby animals, including chicks, ducklings, and kid goats. Guests will be able to pet and hand-feed them once they arrive.

WANT TO GO? $16.95; $14.95 children ages 3-12. 631-878-6670. longislandgamefarm.com.

Baby Animal Days

WHEN: April 8-16, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Visit with a variety of baby animals including lambs, bunnies, chicks, and goats.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

It’s a Disappearing Act!

WHEN: April 15-17, Saturday and Monday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 30

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2-3pm WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Get up close and personal with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Celebrate and learn about these amazing animals.

WANT TO GO? 631-537-9735. sofo.org.

Chickapalooza!

WHEN: April 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Tour a Chicken Tour and collect eggs at 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Play in the Family Fun Fields with activities including the Pedal Kart Track, Hay Tower, spider web, and more.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

Seal Walks FREE

WHEN: April 8-23, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Montauk Point State Park, Montauk Point State Parkway, Montauk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A State Park naturalist will lead visitors on a leisurely beach walk to an area where up to four species of seals can be observed.

Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? 631-668-3781. nysparks.com.

HOLIDAY FUN Egg-Cellent Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, April 2, 11am-12pm and 1-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: See a scrimshawed Ostrich egg, go on an egg hunt in the museum, and decorate a Fabergé-style egg. The first session is for ages 3-6 and second is for ages 6-12.

WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $6; $5 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Easter Egg Hoppening

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 9am and 10am WHERE: Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Capture a picture with the Easter bunny and enjoy refreshments following the hunt. Bring your own basket.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

Your Kid Can Be IN the

Spring Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 12-2pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Road, North Babylon AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: There will be an egg hunt, petting zoo, pony rides, and the Spring Bunny.

WANT TO GO? $8 parking fee. 631-667-5055. nysparks.com.

Spring Egg Hunt

Circus!

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 11am WHERE: Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Main Road, Orient AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The egg hunt is open to all ages and the Spring Bunny will make an appearance.

WANT TO GO? $8 parking fee. 631-667-5055. nysparks.com.

Decorate Your Own Spring Holiday Eggs

WHEN: April 2-9, Sundays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Bring a half dozen hard-boiled or blown out white eggs to decorate and a basket to carry them home in.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-462-5400. artleagueli.net.

Egg Hunt Eggs-travaganza FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 4-5pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children are given a map and a bag to collect eggs from costumed characters throughout the store.

WANT TO GO? 516-962-8210. stewleonards.com.

Easter Paint Event

Win 4 premium seats to Circus 1903 at The Theater at MSG and the chance for your child to go on stage and participate in the show!

Plus 2 other lucky winners will receive family four-packs

WHEN: Thursday, April 13, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Paint a chocolate bunny to celebrate Easter. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $25. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

Spring Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 15, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Bring your basket and go on a hunt for spring eggs.

WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Celebrate Earth Day

WHEN: April 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Build a biome with native plant seeds. Recycle water bottles and grow something green to help keep the atmosphere clean.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Protect Our Planet FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 2-2:45pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn the effects of pollution on our environment and how to help protect our planet. Then make a craft to celebrate the Earth.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org. ››

Enter sweepstakes at

nymetroparents.com/circus Circus 1903 is a brand new show for all ages; it’s the circus reimagined, with over two hours of edge-of-your-seat entertainment featuring an incredible cast of the most unique, spellbinding and thrilling circus acts from all four corners of the globe. Sensational puppetry puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before while Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the magic of the circus. *No purchase necessary. Open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, a legal US resident residing within 100 miles of New York City at the time of entry, and who are the parent or legal guardian of a child born between March 21, 2012, and April 12, 2005. Ends 11:59 p.m. ET 4/11/17. Must be available to attend 6pm performance on 4/15/17 if Grand Prize winner. Void outside stated area and where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details.

LongIslandParent 31

Snap Circuits FREE

WHEN: April 12-18, Wednesday and Tuesday, 4-5pm WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids construct circuits that will light up, sound off, and power an accessory.

WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.

Hands-On History

WHEN: Thursday, April 20, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about the transportation path from horse-drawn carriage to car in the Carriage Museum and create a transportation-related project. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.

Sappo School Open House FREE

SMARTY PANTS Nano Days Continued

WHEN: April 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore the science of the small and see how nanotechnology affects your everyday life through cool activities.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Reading is Fundamental Night FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 6, 7-8pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Join the library and the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Riverhead Literacy Zone to share stories and participate in activities designed to stimulate the imagination, and take home a free book. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Relaunch Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 1-2pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: There will be food, games, and a photo op with a surprise book character to launch this early reading program.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Junior Scientists FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore basic scientific principles and stimulate children’s curiosity about the scientific world with hands-on activities.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Waterwheels at Work

WHEN: April 8-14, daily, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Use simple machines to design and construct a working waterwheel.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

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WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 9:30am WHERE: Sappo School, 40 Kings Park Road, Commack AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Students with special needs learn social skills by working in groups and problem solving skills through projects and real world examples that are used to teach across the curriculum. Register online.

WANT TO GO? 631-736-2146. sapposchool.com.

Poetry Reading Party FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 28, 4-5:45pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: The party will feature awards for the “Celebrate the Earth” poetry contest and a light snack. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Build a Sound Sandwich

WHEN: April 29-30, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Make your own musical instrument and explore the relationship between pitch and size.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Knox Summer Adventures Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 10am-1pm WHERE: The Knox School, 541 Long Beach Road, St. James AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Tour the facilities, meet the directors, and learn about the activities available for children this summer.

WANT TO GO? 631-686-1640. knoxschool.org.

Indoor Brookhaven Town Home & Garden Show

WHEN: Through April 2: Saturdays, 11am-6pm; Sundays, 11am-5pm WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Visitors can enjoy free educational workshops and hands-on, interactive activities for kids.

WANT TO GO? $6; free for children younger than 17. 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov.

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 9am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow a present day lighthouse keeper on his rounds. This bottom-to-top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Mount Sinai Garden Club FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The club invites all area residents to join or attend meetings and participate in garden activities in Mount Sinai, Miller Place, Rocky Point, Coram, Port Jefferson Station, and other local areas. Email Walter Becker at wbecker@wjbsales.com to register.

WANT TO GO? 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

Whaler World Explorers Camp

WHEN: April 10-14, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-1pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Send your child on a whaling adventure as they “travel” the world visiting a different port each day.

WANT TO GO? $35 per day. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

History Hike

WHEN: Saturday, April 15, 8am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: Take a guided walk around the historic area of the Fire Island Lighthouse. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Early Morning Tower Tour: Easter Morning

WHEN: Sunday, April 16, 5:45am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy the scenery from the top of the tower as the sun rises.

Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $25. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Day Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 23, 10am-12pm WHERE: Beth Sholom Day Camp, 401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Meet camp leadership, tour the beautiful indoor and outdoor facility, and ask all of your questions.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-9257. bethsholomdaycamp.com.

We've got everything for a…

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

H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale)

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

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

MAY 6: I

Love My Park Day at Heckscher State Park, East Islip

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Island Fleece and Fiber Fair at Hallockville Museum Farm, Riverhead

MAY 28: East

End Arts 21st Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival, Riverhead

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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

Coming up next month:

LongIslandParent Parent

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

Resource Guide

SLOW DOWN!

+ 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 33

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Catch a Minor League Baseball Game ››

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Research by Sabrina Sooknanan

Courtesy Long Island Ducks

Take the family out to a ball game! For a fraction of the cost of a Mets or Yankees game, you can check out some of the sport’s up-andcoming big hitters at a local minor league game and soak up tons of fun perks for kids, such as hanging out on the field before the game, meeting the players, and free admission to some games. Please note that dates and prices are projected for the season. We recommend confirming details before heading out to the ballpark.

Season begins April 20; home game April 28 Tickets: $12-$15; discounts for groups of 25 or more Kids ages 14 and younger can join the Kids Club for discounts and special events. Members are invited to Kids Club Day, when they can go on a behind-thescenes tour of Bethpage Ballpark and get a chance to run the bases.

Somerset Patriots TD Bank Ballpark, 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ somersetpatriots.com Season begins April 21 Tickets: $9-$25 Children can join the Somerset Sluggers Kids Club for special opportunities such as posing with the entire Somerset Patriots team in the Somerset Sluggers team poster, exclusive Q-and-A’s with Patriots Players, and ballpark tours. AllStar birthday parties are available.

Long Island Ducks mascot QuackerJack, Long Island’s Best Mascot for six consecutive years, enjoys time with a family during one of the team’s regular season home games.

New York City Brooklyn Cyclones Class A Short-Season New York-Penn League (New York Mets) MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn brooklyncyclones.com Season begins June 17 Tickets: $10-$17 in advance Through the Field of Dreams program, youth baseball, softball, and Little League teams can stand side by side, in uniform, with the Cyclones while the national anthem plays at the start of the game (you must purchase a minimum of 15 tickets to participate in this program). Fireworks are free after every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday home game. On Sunday Fundays, kids can run the bases after the game and get the chance to play catch on the field before the game.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Staten Island Yankees Class A Short-Season New York-Penn League (New York Yankees) Richmond County Bank Ballpark, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island siyanks.com Season begins June 19 See website for ticket prices. The stadium offers group tickets that include discount ticket prices, fan gear, a chance for kids (ages 12 and younger) to run the bases after the game, and the opportunity to join Scooter’s Kids Club.

Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Double A – Triple A

Long Island Ducks Bethpage Ballpark, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip liducks.com

Bridgeport Bluefish The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, 500 Main St., Bridgeport, CT bridgeportbluefish.com Season begins April 28 Tickets: $12; discounted rates for groups of 20 or more Kids ages 13 and younger can join the Kids Club for special events and activities throughout the season and during the offseason. Young athletes can join a Youth League Outing to accompany the players on the field during the national anthem, join the players on the field during team introductions, play catch with the players before the game, and more; see the website for details.

Lancaster Barnstormers Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA lancasterbarnstormers.com Season begins April 21; home game April 28 Tickets: $7-$13

Several ticket packages available for groups and families. Children ages 12 and younger can gain one free lawn admission ticket if they wear their local, organized sport uniform to any home game.

York Revolution PeoplesBank Park, 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA yorkrevolution.com Season begins April 28 Tickets: $8-$14 Kids can join Rookie Revs ($27) for special events, and receive six ticket vouchers for any game.

Southeast New York Hudson Valley Renegades Class A Short-Season New YorkPenn League (Tampa Bay Rays) Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls hvrenegades.com Season begins June 19; home game June 21 See website for ticket prices. The Renegades offers special discounts and packages for groups of 15 or more.

There will be an All-Scout Sleepover on June 1.

Rockland Boulders CanAm League Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Drive, Pomona rocklandboulders.com Season begins May 18 Tickets: $11-$16 Kids ages 12 and younger can get on the field every Sunday and run the bases after the game. Kids are also allowed to play catch on the field after the games.

Connecticut Hartford Yard Goats Double-A (Colorado Rockies) Dunkin Donuts Park, 1214 Main St., Hartford yardgoatsbaseball.com Season begins April 6; home game April 13 Tickets: $6-$22 Kids ages 12 and younger

can become members of the Red Robin Kid’s Club (free membership). They’ll also get a chance to receive invitations to special events, exclusive Yard Goats giveaways, a 10-percent discount at the team store, and club ticket packages for parents of members.

See the website for details.

Connecticut Tigers Class A Short-Season New YorkPenn League (Detroit Tigers) Dodd Stadium, 14 Stott Ave., Norwich cttigers.com Season begins June 19 Tickets: $10-$20; groups of 15 or more receive a discount rate Fun birthday parties and group outings available at Connecticut Tigers games. There will be a baseball clinic for aspiring players ages 6-15, the date is TBD at the time of publication.

New Jersey New Jersey Jackals CanAm League Yogi Berra Stadium, 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls jackals.com Season begins May 18 Tickets: $12-$17 The Baseball Buddies program allows youngsters to be introduced like the pro players and take the field with the Jackals for the national anthem.

See website for details.

Trenton Thunder Double-A (New York Yankees) Arm & Hammer Park, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton trentonthunder.com Season begins April 13 Tickets: $8-$13 The team offers Boomer’s Kids Club, presented by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro. The club is for fans younger than 12 and features special discounts, one-of-akind experiences, and on-field opportunities. Memberships are $25 for the first child and $10 per child after.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/ballparks.

OPEN HOUSES 2017 Camp W Day Camp

Birchwood Intermediate School 121 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 631-692-6222 campwdaycamp.com info@campwdaycamp.com Join us at our open houses May 7 and June 4 from 2-4pm. Meet with the staff and learn about our programs while your kids create projects and have faces painted!

Camps ‘R’ Us Where Summer Vacation Is Our Job Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Syosset, Valley Stream, and West Islip 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org/openhouse info@campsrus.org Join us for an open house and tour with your child. April 1: 12:30am-2:30pm Baldwin; April 2: 11:30-1:30pm Bellmore; April 8: 11:30-1:30pm Farmingdale, 12:30-2:30pm Valley Stream, and 12:30-2:30 West Islip; April 9: 11:301:30pm Hicksville; April 22: 12:30am-2:30pm Syosset. campsrus.org/openhouse.

Incarnation Camp

253 Bushy Hill Road, Ivoryton, CT 860-767-0848 incarnationcamp.org info@incarnationcamp.org Come and take a tour of our beautiful 700-acre property and learn all about our summer programs for campers ages 6-15. April 8 and 29, 10am4pm, with refreshments provided. Please RSVP to info@ incarnationcamp.org.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Visit Kenwal and meet with our directors. They will answer your questions, and take you and your campers around the beautiful 20-acre camp grounds. Sundays, 12-3pm, through June.

Kids Country Day Camp

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai

631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Camp and school open house will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 11am-2pm. Fun activities, tours, and discounts!

Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth-12th grades

239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa Join us for an open house on April 1 from 10am–2pm.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Come to LI Voyager’s Day Camp April open house. Meet with the director to learn about our exciting programs for campers ages 4-14 and receive Early Bird Pricing! Call for details.

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com Join us for an open house on April 22 at 9:30am.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Young artists flourish at Usdan.

Be part of a Usdan visit and information session: April 2 and May 7 from 11am-2pm. RSVP at usdan.org/visit.

West Hills Day Camp

21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 westhillsdaycamp.com info@westhillsdaycamp.com WHDC Spring Carnival, Saturday April 22, from 11am-3pm.

Families can enjoy children’s entertainment, games, face painting, giveaways, and more! Come see all we have to offer for the best summer ever!

LongIslandParent 35

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Attention Parents of Babies, Kids, Teens

Your Child Could Be on Our Cover

EASY STEPS TO ENTER: 1. "Like" at www.facebook.com/nymetroparents Every entry will be automatically reviewed by Barbizon talent scouts

2. Select 1 favorite photo of your child (ages < 1-16) 3. Upload the photo (jpg or png) to Facebook 4. Share with friends and vote daily!

For a complete list of rules: http://nymetroparents.com/CoverContestRules Promotion period 4/24/17 - 6/9/17

36

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

SpecialParent

ISM ESS T AU REN H T A AW MON

Ryan, age 14, is a Nassau County teen who has autism. He was one of the finalists in the 2016 NYMetroParents Kids Cover Contest.

ONLINE EXTRAS Children with autism have and show feelings in their own ways, even though it might not seem like it. Find four tips to connect with a child with autism at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-feelings.

Why teaching children difficult skills is worth it for parents—and some ideas for making the process a little bit easier ›› nymetroparents.com/special-skills.

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

Autism Awareness Month brings a variety of activities for children on the spectrum. Check out events near you at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-activities.

INSIDE

PhotoOp NYC; clothing courtesy Appaman

38 Chasing His Dreams: How a teen with autism overcame his food aversions to create a cooking show and cookbook 42 1 5 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Special Needs Tutor 44 S pecial Needs Resource Directory 54 P owerful Tunes: How music lessons helped a child with autism and sensory processing disorder

Robert Dahey

SpecialParent

Chase Bailey, a 15-year-old chef with autism who is host of his own cooking show on YouTube.com, recently published The Official Chase ’N Yur Face Cookbook.

Chasing His Dreams

››

How a teen with autism overcame his food aversions to create a cooking show and cookbook Interview by Katelin Walling; recipes by Chase Bailey

C

hase Bailey is a 15-year-old chef with his own cooking show on YouTube and a recently released cookbook, The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook—and he’s using part of the proceeds to set up his Chase Yur Dreams Foundation. That is a huge accomplishment on its own, but what makes it even more impressive is Chase was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, a diagnosis that includes severe food aversions, speech delay, and other developmental and physical issues. “Some doctors told my mom that I would probably never speak, and would not be able to take care of myself,” Chase said in his cookbook introduction.

He goes on to reveal that when he was 8, he started watching cooking shows with his grandfather—Eat Street is a favorite— which helped him overcome his food aversions. “These cooking shows helped me to see that food could actually be fun, and a big part of traveling—which is one of my favorite things,” he said.

Chase took a minute to tell us about his inspiration, how he overcomes challenges, and advice he has for others. Plus, he shares three of his own recipes with us.

38

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

What inspired you to write your own cookbook? I didn’t plan on doing a cookbook. But someone asked my mom if I would be interested, so she told me about it and all the amazing stuff that doing a cookbook would be. I already had a journal of recipes, so I thought, why not bring it to the world, right?

How do you come up with your recipes? Sometimes ideas literally just pop in my head. Sometimes when I’m eating something or see food on a show, I start thinking about how I would make something like it with different ingredients.

Are there any challenges you’ve had to overcome—both with your YouTube channel and cookbook—as a young man with autism? One of the challenges I have is speaking. I know the words I want to say but it takes time for me to put them in order. I have an acting coach who helps me speak properly for my shows and interviews. I also have challenges with fine motor skills.

Sometimes my hand strength is not very good, so I use tools like a

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

chopper and food processor to help me in the kitchen. Everybody has challenges to overcome. We all do life with a little bit of help.

Can you tell me about the Chase Yur Dreams Foundation (ChaseYurDreams.org)—its mission and goals? There are a lot of kids with autism who have challenges and dreams like me. I want to help them with education, jobs, and things they need to make their dreams come true.

HELPS STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS ACHIEVE RESULTS

Do you have advice for other children on the spectrum, or with other disabilities, about pursuing their passion? Find out what you love to do and go for it! And ask for help!

If you could say anything to those without special needs about having an autism diagnosis, what would it be? People with autism have dreams and can do things, too. Autism is like having something special or an extra body part. You just have figure how to make it work for you.

OUR PROGRAMS WORK BECAUSE:

• We begin with an Academic Evaluation • We testify on behalf of a student, attend IEP or • We develop a customized learning plan 504 meetings, and visit the student’s school • We provide personalized instruction by • We update you on your student’s progress certified teachers at accredited centers • We offer flexible schedules

Recipes excerpted from The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook by Chase Bailey with permission of Chase ‘N Yur Face Media LLC

Ingredients 4 Waffles (recipe below) 12 thin slices of uncured maple honey ham 8 slices of provolone cheese ½ cup breakfast slaw (recipe below) Directions 1. On a warm waffle, add 2 slices of provolone cheese, 3 slices of ham, and ½ cup of breakfast slow to one side of the waffle.

2. Gently fold over to make a sandwich.

3. When serving to guests, add a 4-inch toothpick to keep the sandwich closed.

Waffle Recipe Ingredients 1¾ cup flour ¼ cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1¾ cup milk ½ cup canola oil 2 teaspoons almond extract

Directions 1. Preheat waffle iron.

2. Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

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3. Use cooking spray to grease waffle iron.

4. As waffle irons vary in size, follow the instructions for your waffle iron to determine how much batter to pour onto the waffle iron.

Breakfast Slaw Mix Ingredients 2½ cups green cabbage rough shred ½ cup Fuji apples diced 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1½ tablespoons chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon dried blueberries 2-3 tablespoons ranch dressing (use your favorite)

Directions 1. Combine all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir together. continued on next page ››

School Districts Consult Attorneys.

Why Shouldn’t You?

School Districts ask their attorneys what is the minimum amount of services the law requires them to provide to special education students. Why shouldn’t you ask your attorney what are the maximum amount of services the law requires the School District to provide?

Going for your child’s first Individualized 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.

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Counselor at Law

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PBNA Panini (Peanut Butter, Nutella, & Apple) Ingredients Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon of butter 2 slices of whole-wheat sandwich bread or gluten-free sandwich bread 1 tablespoon Nutella 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 small whole green apple Directions 1. Use a peeler to remove the skin from apple 2. Use a knife or slicer to slice thin slices of apple.

3. Spread Nutella on one slice of bread.

4. Spread peanut butter on the other slice of bread.

Sloppy Chase’s

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Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small yellow onion chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic ½ cup chopped yellow pepper ½ cup chopped orange pepper ¾ cup chopped cremini mushrooms 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 pound ground lamb 2 tablespoons sloppy Joe seasoning 1 6 ounce can of tomato paste 1 cup diced fire roasted tomatoes with the liquid Subscribe to ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano our family 3-5 French Brioche hamburger buns or regular hamburger buns

Jessica Nicosia-Nadler

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy

‹‹ continued from previous page

5. Place desired amount of apple slices on top of the peanut butter and place the Nutella slice on top.

6. Brush a small amount of butter on the top and bottom half of the sandwich or spray the top and bottom of the Panini maker with cooking spray.

7. Place the sandwich in the Panini maker and cook until golden on both sides.

Jessica Nicosia-Nadler

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Want to know the Best Activities for Families? mixture back into pan.

activity email

Directions newsletter.

1. In a medium pan, heat oil on medium-high heat and sauté onions for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add in garlic, yellow peppers, orange peppers, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.

3. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add ground lamb into sautéed vegetable mixture and cook until meat is done.

5. Drain excess grease.

6. Pour vegetable and ground lamb

7. Stir in the sloppy Joe seasoning, tomato paste, and roasted tomatoes, and return to heat.

8. Blend all ingredients well and turn heat down to simmer.

9. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. To make a closed faced Sloppy Chase sandwich, put ½ cup of mixture on ½ of the hamburger or brioche bun and top with ParmigianoReggiano. To make an open faced Sloppy Chase put ½ cup mixture on each half of the hamburger or brioche buns and top with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

NYMetroParents.com/register Want to know the Best Activities for Families?

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

COOKING CLASSES FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS If your child has expressed an interest in learning to cook, check out these programs on Long Island that offer cooking programs for children and teens with special needs.

Celebrations in the Kitchen 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com This party service offers baking events for children and adults with special needs. It provides hands-on baking experiences for participants in a kitchen environment. Each guest makes their own creation, from kneading, rolling, and cutting sugar cookie dough to stretching pizza dough for a personal pie. The projects allow people of many capabilities to focus while being creative, and enjoy the final baked results, recognizing their own sense of accomplishment.

LilChefs.com Special Events Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, New Jersey 516-338-0552 lilchefs.com paula@lilchefs.com Chef Paula offers hands-on workshops and birthday parties at your location for ages 3-14 that include chef hats and aprons, as well as a personalized recipe booklet specific to the event, for each young chef. All parties and workshops are conducted in an inclusive environment, and Chef Paula can customize an event specifically for children with special needs, geared toward different abilities. Recipes can also be created for various dietary needs, and every event includes multi-sensory components relating to sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.

Sid Jacobson JCC 300 Forest Drive, East Hills 516-484-1545

sjjcc.org The Special Needs Center offers a weekly Wednesday night cooking club for ages 18 and older to learn new recipes, how to cook with friends, and dine in a restaurant (once a month).

It also offers three programs that include cooking components: Kehilla Kids Mini-Camp, a year-round recreation program for ages 3-13; Kehilla YA for ages 14 and older; and Sunday Rave Program, a socialization program for ages 14 and older.

Suffolk Y JCC 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack 631-462-9800 syjcc.org The Butler Special Needs Center offers Emunah, an after-school program for ages 5-21 that focuses on group interaction and building socialization skills, which includes cooking classes, fitness, and more. It also offers Sunday Lunch Bunch in which ages 12-21 will learn to clean, cook, and work together to prepare a lunch to enjoy as a group, as well as full-day programs on school holidays that include swimming, fitness, and cooking components.

What’s Cooking 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com This culinary school offers a handful of 10-week cooking class sessions, workshops, cooking clubs, and parties for children of all ages.

Children with special needs are welcome to enroll in any classes and workshops offered.

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Neuro Therapy Feedback Therapy

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The Center For Integrative & Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Boulevard, Suite 100, Plainview, N.Y. 11803 Phone: 516-243-8660 • Toll Free: 844-313-7117 www.theciitcenter.com • Follow us on

Camp Huntington A Special Camp for the Special Camper

90 Minutes north of NYC Call Today: 855-707-2267

www.camphuntington.com LongIslandParent 41

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15 Questions to Ask When Looking For a Special Needs Tutor ›› There are lots of considerations when looking for a tutor for your child with special needs. A mom of six—two of whom have special needs—offers advice on how to find the right one. By Michaela Searfoorce

I

f your child is struggling in math, spelling, or reading, you might be considering a tutor. If so, there are a lot of options to consider: Home or tutoring center? What can you afford?

How often can you meet? When you add into the mix a child with additional special needs, things can quickly become overwhelming.

Fortunately, many tutors and tutoring services are experienced in working with kids who have special needs. Finding the right one may require a little more research on the parent’s part, but those seeking clients who have special needs should be happy to spend the time answering parents’ questions to ensure they are the right fit for your child. I spoke with two experts—Carol Lovallo, an educational development supervisor from Huntington Learning Center, and Emily Levy, Ed.D., the founder and director of EBL Coaching— who were friendly, knowledgeable about the field, and helped me come up with this list of 15 things you may want to consider when seeking out the right tutor for your child with special needs: What disabilities do your tutors have experience with? As all of us parents are painfully aware, different disabilities are not created equal. A tutor who has experience with dyslexia may not know what to do with learning issues caused by autism, ADHD, or OCD. Instead of starting with, “My child has _________,” or “Do you 42

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

have experience with __________,” I have found it more helpful (and enlightening) to simply ask, “What disabilities and special needs have you had experience with?” Lovallo, for instance, touted Huntington Learning Center’s special ADHD program, in which the centers offer individualized help to children diagnosed with ADHD from teachers who have had specific training.

Do you have any special qualifications, certifications, or credentials? Dr. Levy says parents should be asking about what specialized and research-based techniques are being used. As just one example, her company specializes in the Orton-Gillingham method for students who struggle with reading.

How long have you been tutoring? This apparently means “how old are you?” in our house. Tutors come in all ages and experience levels, but it’s important to consider who your children will enjoy learning from and listening to—with whom they’ll click.

My children have made their preferences known loud and clear and we do our best to accommodate. My oldest son and daughter prefer someone “not old like mommy,” and do very well with young, energetic, qualified college students. One of my middle boys, however, responds best to a woman closer to my own mother’s age who has more experience and a calm, quiet demeanor (to balance him bouncing off the wall, perhaps?).

How do you handle disruptive behavior, acting out, and attention issues? What’s your discipline strategy? Look, I love my kid, but when he starts rapidly clicking his pen for the 90th time after being asked to make change for a dollar, I can lose my cool.

In calmer moments I’m redirecting, using mini M&M’S as positive reinforcement, or offering extra screen time for a successful finish to our homework session. It’s comforting to know the tutor’s (or tutoring center’s) strategies.

What’s your expertise in the content area my child is studying? Now that you know the tutoring center specializes in ADHD, make sure it has tutors who also are knowledgeable in Spanish, calculus, or whatever subject(s) your child is struggling with.

Do you have special needs references I can speak to? “Special needs” is the key phrase here, because while Joe’s mom might rave about this place, Joe might be a B student who needed some basic math test prep. How does Maria’s mom, whose daughter has an autism spectrum disorder and is upset easily by certain noises, feel about their approach? Even better, do they have any clients with your child’s specific disability who would be willing to speak with you?

Do you tutor at my home or only on-site? You should be able to find what you need fairly easily, and don’t need to compromise on this; do what is best for you and your child. Huntington Learning Center offers on-site tutoring with locations nationwide along with a search function on the website that will bring up a map of its nearby centers. EBL Coaching has tutors at several locations around the New York City area, as well as tutors who travel to students’ homes.

What will the environment be like? If tutoring won’t be taking place in your home, it’s important to understand the surroundings where your child will be learning. Since my son has sensory processing disorder it’s important that there aren’t loud electric pencil sharpeners being used while he’s around. During his lessons, distractions and loud noises from sources such as gum, bubble wrap, or balloons need to be avoided.

Will you be tutoring my child alone or in a group? Think about what approach might be best for your child. Is he motivated by a group and enjoys being around other children? Or does she struggle with social issues and is easily distracted? Many tutors and tutoring centers have different approaches. Some may start with a 1-on-1 approach and then increase the number of students per teacher (a practice which can help promote independence in the classroom). If you only want 1-on-1 tutoring, let it be known.

How much do you charge per session? Is there a sliding scale?

Are other fees involved? Make sure your budget includes the extras, such as possible fees for materials or assessments.

How long is each tutoring session? What hours are sessions available? If your child struggles with attention issues, you might want to seek out a place that offers shorter, more frequent sessions.

But if you’re trying to squeeze meetings into an already-packed schedule of extracurricular activities and therapists, perhaps fewer, longer sessions are what you’re looking for.

What’s your policy for cancellations and make-up sessions?

Don’t forget to check the policy both ways. What happens if your child is sick? How much notice is required to be able to reschedule without a penalty? What happens if the tutor can’t make it? At a larger center, perhaps a substitute is available, but ask: Will the substitute be brought up to speed on your child before you arrive?

How do you evaluate progress? And what happens if my child doesn’t make progress? While you as a parent need to be clear on what progress you’re looking for your child to make, it should also be made clear how the center or tutor evaluates progress. Is it through test scores and report cards, or anecdotes gathered from your child’s teachers?

Huntington Learning Center uses more than one approach to form a baseline against which progress is measured, including interviews with parents and teachers as well as research-based tests. Lovallo says Huntington Learning Center actually uses hundreds of different curricula so there is always another way for a student to learn the material.

At EBL Coaching, Dr. Levy says each student is constantly measured against his or her original baseline. She assures me that if a student isn’t making progress or responding, the plan is tweaked immediately.

How will you communicate with me, and how often? How can I contact you with concerns? Some places opt for in-person meetings, while others include written reports for parents.

Will you work with and communicate with my child’s teachers? With six kids, in my house a unified front is sometimes the only way we get through dinner, time-outs, and especially school work. Lovallo says tutors should be in touch with teachers as often as parents—they try to meet with or reach out to teachers at least once a month to make sure progress is being carried over to the classroom.

Getting What You Need

This might seem obvious, but make sure that you explain your goals and ask for concrete steps on how they will be met. At the end of our conversation, Lovallo remarks, “You need to understand who is going to be working with your child. When you’re looking for a tutor, you want to make sure the person is qualified, and at our center what is important about us is that we are a research-based, professional institution.”

This particularly hit home for me. Many excellent tutors and centers focus primarily on academics and their ability to raise your child’s test score and report card grades. However, this might not always be the main focus for a parent of a child with special needs. My oldest child is seven grade levels behind in math, exempt from New York state testing, and has an IQ hovering in the mid-70s. I just want him to be able to tell time and make change as he gets older. Make sure you and any potential tutor have the same vision for what your goals are and what progress you are seeking ahead of time.

Michaela Searfoorce is a home-schooling mother of six children. She makes time to write in the wee hours. You can find more of her stories at thefoorce.com or thecentralparkzoo.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

BAKSHI LAW C. Lara Bakshi

Special Needs Attorney & Special Education Specialist Providing a clear road map of the law and zealously advocating for you and your child.

WINNING Record against DOE & Districts Winning record at due process hearings including failure to provide FAPE and tuition reimbursement.

SPECIALIZING in disciplinary matters for both special needs and general education students.

Suspensions • Expulsions • Manifestation • Determination Hearings

CALL 917-244-6133 to set up a consultation

305 Broadway, 14th Fl., NY, NY 10007 Sliding Scale Depending on Income

lara.bakshi@gmail.com • www.lawbakshi.com Servicing Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), NYC Boroughs, Westchester, Rockland and Upstate NY

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Alternatives For Children

westhillsdaycamp.com/gersh-academy info@westhillsdaycamp.com

631-331-6400 Aquebogue, Dix Hills, East Setauket, and Southampton alternatives4children.org

Great Strides Long Island

41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org

Bakshi Law

Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com

Huntington Learning Centers

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool

29 Pinewood Drive, Commack 631-499-1237 bbdps.com

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center)

131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp (for children on the Autism spectrum) 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700

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

Island Orthodontics-Horizon Orthodontics Dr. Scott Friedman 1150 Portion Road, No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424 Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics

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

1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Queens: 718-640-6767

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org

Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou

2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880 supermolar.com mikeioannou@hotmail.com

Pediatric Immediate Care

150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com

Strategic Staffing Works

Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com

TJE Dance Force

556 N. Country Road, St. James 631-584-6888 310 Main St., Holbrook 631-585-6900 tjedance.com info@tjedance.comw

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION KNOWS NO BOUNDS! LONG ISLAND’S FIRST AND ONLY SCHOOL Dedicated to Highly Capable Students Who Learn and Achieve Differently!

Building Blocks is an Early Intervention and Preschool Program dedicated to educational excellence and committed to meeting the developmental needs of all young children. Services are provided at home, in the community, at daycare, or at our center as determined by the child’s IEP or IFSP.

EI & Preschool Autism Program • SEIT Services Family Training • Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Complete Diagnostic Services

Special & General Education Classes EI Special Instruction • Parent Child Groups Toddler Separation Groups Building Blocks is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency and has been providing services to children from birth to age 5 years and their families for 30 years.

To refer a child suspected of developmental delay please call Suffolk County DOH EIP at 631-853-3100 for children 0-3yrs; or the child’s school district for children 3-5 years of age. All authorized services provided to eligible children are funded through NYS & Suffolk County at no cost to families.

BBDPS is an approved provider and evaluator of Early Intervention & Preschool special education services and is regulated by NYSED and NYSDOH.

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Innovative & Fun HANDS-ON STEM SUMMER PROGRAM

NOW ENROLLING For Fall 2017 Grades 1-10

For The Gifted & Twice Exceptional Camper

Three 2-week sessions REGISTER NOW for one or ALL!

Visit LONG ISLAND WHOLE CHILD ACADEMY To Learn About: 2017 Acedemic Year • Summer Programs Weekly Enrichment Series (great for homeschooled children!)

347-668-3676 • www.liwholechild.org • Melville, NY

Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 631-472-5437 or email nympads@davlermedia.com

Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880; supermolar.com

Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut - School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Ioannou strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! Dr. Ioannou currently participates with most insurance companies and has convenient evening and Saturday office hours.

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com

Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry 8 Medical Drive, Port Jefferson Station 631-928-8585 6144 Route 25 A, Suite D20, Wading River 631-929-7575 750 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead; 631-727-8585 suffolkpediatricdentistry.com; infoportjeff@suffolkpediatricdentistry.com

Dr. Eliades graduated from Seton Hall University with a B.S. in biology and a degree in physiology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She was awarded her D.M.D. degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she graduated with honors. She served as chief resident in pediatric dentistry at Long Island Jewish Medical Center-Schneider Children’s Hospital. She is currently on the attending dental staff at Schneider Children’s Hospital and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Eliades has two lovely daughters. She has practiced Pediatric Dentistry in Suffolk County since 1994.

Island Orthodontics-Horizon Orthodontics Dr. Scott Friedman 1150 Portion Road, No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424; Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria heads up the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.

Dr. Scott Friedman received his doctorate of dental surgery and orthodontic training from New York University College of Dentistry. He has 33 years of clinical experience and a vast background in all phases of orthodontic treatment. Our practice’s top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Whether you’re an adult, adolescent, or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve: a healthy, beautiful one!

Pediatric Immediate Care 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Queens: 718-640-6767

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit.

Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals.

Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America.

Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along 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, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

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Professional Services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals.

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS ISLAND ORTHODONTICS HORIZON ORTHODONTICS: DR. SCOTT FRIEDMAN 1150 Portion Road, No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424 Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics Our practice’s top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF SUFFOLK COUNTY: DR. MIKE IOANNOU 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880 supermolar.com mikeioannou@hotmail.com Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients!

SUFFOLK PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 8 Medical Drive, Port Jefferson Station 631-928-8585 6144 Route 25 A, Suite D20, Wading River 631-929-7575 750 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead 631-727-8585 suffolkpediatricdentistry.com infoportjeff@suffolkpediatricdentistry.com For 40 years, we have provided dental care that’s friendly, gentle, and compassionate. We provide preventive and comprehensive treatment for infants, children, and adolescents including sedation and general anesthesia dentistry. We strive to help our patients develop good oral hygiene habits, and beautiful healthy smiles.

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DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS 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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Nassau: 516216-1791 • 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.

PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted.

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for volunteer opportunities related to their field of college interest.

LEGAL SERVICES BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com; lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 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.

SPECIAL NEEDS BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com; lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale.

DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 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.

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Nassau: 516216-1791 • 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.

SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for employment and life-fulfilling volunteer opportunities.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS BREATH OF LIFE PREGNANCY CENTER 1930 Veterans Highway, Suite 4, Islandia 631-738-8829 breathoflifecenter.org bolcenter@optonline.net Pregnant? Scared? Our free and confidential services include pregnancy testing, mentoring, and medical and community referrals. Birthing classes, newborn care, and parenting workshops available. We also have a Baby Boutique with items for baby at no cost to you. You don’t have to do this alone—call today.

DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

DR. LISA M. CASSIDY, PH.D. 4250 Vets Highway Suite 215, Holbrook

631-748-4659 Dr. Cassidy is a child advocate and always puts the child first. Therapy for children, individuals, and families. Consultant services to parents regarding special education testing.

TUTORS & TEST PREP ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: ST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261

stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from kindergarten to 12th grades with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork.

stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ years to sixth grade. A faith-based program offers a loving, caring environment.

ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: YOUTH ENRICHMENT LEARNING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261

VILLAGE EAST GIFTED ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road,

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com; info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy.

PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000 square feet of fun including 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag!

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 in a private party atmosphere.

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 cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies.

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 cshfha.org; steved@cshfha.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.

GIVE IT YOUR ALL SPORTS 2127 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma 631-676-4412 giveityourallsports.com We deliver high-energy activities coupled with on-field coaching that is age-appropriate. Let ‘em have a ball with a Give It Your All Sports Party!

KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, we have a birthday party package to fit all budgets. The guest of honor picks the theme, and we provide the instruction so that each guest leaves with a masterpiece!

LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com

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. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the Aquarium, receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides, and special seating at our Sea Lion Show!

MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mgym.com/stonybrook 128 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse—any theme you want.

631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is Long’s Island’s premier family fun center and birthday party place.

Fun for the whole family with inflatables, four-level soft playground, arcade, interactive floor games, and a full café!

SMITHTOWN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2 E. Main St., Smithtown 631-724-3700 smithtownpac.org boxoffice@smithtownpac.org Treat your child to a different type of birthday party this year! Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents great shows for kids, and a private room for your gathering. Cast members will meet with your party to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

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 beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard.

TUMBLING TUNES 212 Laurel Road, East Northport 631-697-0140 tumblingtunes.com tumblingtunes@gmail.com Tumbling Tunes specializes in parties for children ages 1-6. Our parties consist of music, movement, games, gymnastics, and free play tailored to your child’s age and ability.

PICASSO KIDZ, CREATIVE ART STUDIO FOR CHILDREN 72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz puts the “ART” in pARTy! Birthdays at Picasso Kidz are truly unique and memorable. We have many packages and options to choose from for ages 2-17.

WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts.

Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

SAFARI ADVENTURE 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead

LongIslandParent 47

camp GUIDE 2017 Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com

Camp W Day Camp

2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com

Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp (for campers on the Autism spectrum)

Birchwood Intermediate School 121 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 631-692-6222 campwdaycamp.com info@campwdaycamp.com

21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 westhillsdaycamp.com/gersh-academy info@westhillsdaycamp.com

Camps ‘R’ Us Where Summer Vacation Is Our Job

41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org

Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Syosset, Valley Stream, and West Islip 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org info@campsrus.org

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

Great Strides Long Island

Incarnation Camp

253 Bushy Hill Road, Ivoryton, CT 860-767-0848 incarnationcamp.org info@incarnationcamp.org

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org steved@cshfha.org

Kenwal Day Camp

Destination Science - The fun science day camp for curious kids 5 to 11!

Kids Country Day Camp

Multiple locations in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties 888-909-2822 destinationscience.org

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead 516-433-7970 x11 ccenassau.org gms8@cornell.edu; cer237@cornell.edu

Future Stars Summer Camps

The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) longislandaquarium.com

Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth to 12th grades

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts - Musical Theater Summer Camp

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

SPORTIME Summer Camps

Long Island Whole Child Academy STEM Camp for Twice Exceptional & Gifted Camper

St. Patrick Youth Community

239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com

175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org; info@liwholechild.org

Lyrical Children’s Preschool & Learning Center & Kreative Kidz Party Zone 4492 Middle Country Road, Calverton 631-208-4003 lyricalchildren.com lyricalchildrenmusic.com

My Gym- Stony Brook

1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mygym.com/stonybrook stonybrook@mygym.com

Picasso Kidz, Creative Art Studio For Children 72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com

Prime Time Early Learning Center – Summer Camp 270 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale 631-759-8777 primetimeschools.com/ age-groups/day-camp

Sacred Heart Academy

47 Cathedral Ave., Hempstead 516-483-7383 sacredheartacademyhempstead.org

CAMP MARKETPLACE

COLLEGE AT OLD WE STBURY FARMING DALE STATE COLLEGE ST. JOE’ S COLLEGE PATCHOGUE SOUTHAMPTON AT NORTH SE A PARK

20+camps 516.876.3490 or 631.609.0438 48

April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WEEKLY SESSIONS SPORTS, STEAM & SPECIALTY CAMP PROGRAMS

fscamps.com

2 E. Main St., Smithtown 631-724-3700 smithtownpac.org/ theater-camp-long-island/summer-camp Several locations in Nassau, Suffolk, Manhattan, and Westchester 888-698-3664 sportimecamps.com camps@sportimeny.com St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net

Tumbling Tunes

212 Laurel Road, East Northport 631-697-0140 tumblingtunes.com tumblingtunes@gmail.com

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900; usdan.com

Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank Summer Program Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com

West Hills Day Camp

21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 631-427-6700 westhillsdaycamp.com info@westhillsdaycamp.com

YMCA of Long Island

Camp locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue 855-2YMCALI (296-2254); ymcali.org

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Welcome to…

OVER 50 FUN & EXCITING ACTIVITIES!

10 Acres of Indoor and Outdoor Adventure, Sports, Activities and Special Events!

Lunch, Snack, Refreshments, Camp Shirts & Towel Service Included!

• Athletic Fields • Sports Courts • Playgrounds • Challenge Course • Karate • GoPro Photography • RC Cars/Drones • Pedal Kart Track • Dance

NEW for 2017!

KIDVENTURES!

It’s time to awaken the Hero within!

Ages 3 to 12 years 2 - 8 Weeks • Flexible Day/Week Scheduling Full Day 9am - 4pm • Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up Half Day Program Also Available (Ages 3 to 5 yrs.)

• Giant Slide • Talent Show • Sprinkler Park • Glow Party • Slip-N-Slide and Much More • Carnival

OPEN HOUSE

Sat., April 22nd • 11am - 2pm • Fun Activities • Tours • Discounts

KIDSCOUNTRYDAYCAMP.COM 631-331-5351 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Rd., Mt. Sinai

258875-1

LongIslandParent 49

CAMP MARKETPLACE

St. Patrick’s Summer Camp Call Now to Register!

Kiddie Camp ages 3-5

Main Camp Teen Travel ages 6-12 ages 13-15

St. Patrick Enrichment Center | Separation Program | Tutoring K-12th grade Enrichment Programs Ages 3-12 | Before & After Care | Kindergarten Readiness Program Study Skills | Catholic High School Entrance Exam Classes | SAT Preparations Mommy & Me

Contact Cindy at 631-724-1261 | spyouth@optonline.net

Saint Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown www.stpatsyouth.com • 631-360-0185

Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp Summer 2017 Co-Ed Sleep-Away Camp for Ages 8 - 16 1-8 Week Sessions, “Mini-Camp” For First Time Campers and CIT Program

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS

Ropes Course Horseback Riding Waterfront Archery Farm Animals & Gardening

And Much More!

Visit one of our Open House Dates on April 8th or May 5th Located At:

3186 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 516-433-7970 Ext. 11

Register online at www.ccenassau.org or by scanning the QR code

Preschool | Under 10 Tennis | Tennis & Sports JMTA Tennis Training | Volleyball | Hockey | more!

With camp locations throughout Long Island, the Hamptons and in New York, Westchester and the Capital Region, we’ve got your summer fun covered!

Call and about ou ask r Sc Break Ca hool mps!

Visit us online to find the perfect camp for you!

www.SportimeCamps.com | 888-698-3664 for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with

Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location.

3950NF

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

“One of our children is on the spectrum and two are not, for the first time in their lives they were able to go to camp together. We can’t express how amazing that was and how much it meant to our family.”

- West Hills Day Camp Parent

autiSm iS a road We travel TogeTher.

SiblingS do everything together ... Camp Should be no different.

WelCome to the only truly integrated Summer Camp on long iSland, Where Children on the autiSm SpeCtrum Can join in on the Same aCtivitieS aS their brotherS and SiSterS, and familieS Can Come together.

Spring Carnival 2017

Saturday, April 22nd 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington NY 11743 | 631.427.6700 Games • Prizes • Rides • Face Painting Come meet our family

LongIslandParent 51

CAMP MARKETPLACE

America’s oldest continuously running co-ed camp!

Affordable rates for sessions in June to August Beautiful 700 acre property in Southern CT Programs for campers aged 7 to 15

2, 4, 6, & 8 week sessions available.

Many activites to choose from including; Sports, Arts, Music, Ceramics, & Waterfront options.

www.incarnationcamp.org Spring open houses and tours available. info@incarnationcamp.org or 860-787-0848 for more details

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

SUMMER 2017 MONDAY - FRIDAY PROGRAM July 3-28, 2017 | 9:00am to 3:30pm

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

Join

Follow us on Twitter

Join

NYMetroParents

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

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

Admission Admi miissio sio i n iis h highly ighly s 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

52

FREE TRIAL

MORE

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual summer program for gifted children. The summer program runs on Monday to Friday from July 3-28. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2017. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

Now find us on Facebook

••Gymnastics Gymnastics && Music Music Class Classes ••Mommy Mommy & & Me Me ••Drop Drop & & Shop Shop ••Birthday Birthday Parties Parties ••Craft Craft Classes Classes ••Parents’ Parents’ Night Night Out Out ••Summer Camp Play Dates

Ages 6 months to 9 years www.tumblingtunes.com 212 Laurel Road East Northport, NY 11731 631-697-0140

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER MUSIC & GYMNASTICS CAMP

NYMetroParents April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Get advance notice on activities,

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Destination Science The fun science day camp for curious kids 5-11!

Great Strides believes in the magic of the horse-human experience. Beautiful 15 acre ranch, 3 outdoor rings and a heated indoor arena! We offer a warm, friendly and safe horse experience supervised by seasoned, certified instructors.

Riding Lessons Summer Programs Therapeutic Riding l

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Mommy and Me Birthday Parties Scouting Activities

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41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island, NY 11953 631.786.9708 | greatstridesli.org | Julie@greatstridesli.org like us on facebook Great Strides Long Island at Saddle Rock Ranch

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12 Long Island Locations destinationscience.org 888-909-2822

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS Tumbling Tunes.............................................................. 52 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES BounceU - Farmingdale................................................. 17 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.................................. 52 Safari Adventure............................................................. 25 Tumbling Tunes.............................................................. 52 CAMPS Camp Huntington............................................................ 41 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.................................. 52 Destination Science........................................................ 53 Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp.............................................. 50 Future Stars - Old Westbury........................................... 48 Great Strides Long Island............................................... 53 ID Tech Camps............................................................... 49 Incarnation Camp........................................................... 52 Kenwal Day Camp............................................................ 5 Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids Country Day.......................... 49 LI Voyagers Day Camp................................................... 51 Long Island Whole Child Academy................................. 44 Smithtown Performing Arts Center................................. 50 Sportime......................................................................... 50 St. Patrick Youth Community.......................................... 50 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.................................... 2 West Hills Day Camp...................................................... 51 Young Peoples Day Camp - LI......................................... 7 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE Alternatives for Children Daycare................................... 25 Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids Country Day.......................... 49 CLASSES Great Strides Long Island............................................... 53 LIU Center for Gifted Youth............................................ 52 Sportime......................................................................... 50 St. Patrick Youth Community.......................................... 50 Strategic Staffing Works................................................. 36 DEVELOPMENTAL Alternatives for Children Daycare................................... 25 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool..................... 44

C.I.I.T Center............................................................ 41, 45 Huntington Learning Center........................................... 39 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................. 40, 45 Sappo School................................................................. 56 Strategic Staffing Works................................................. 36 EDUCATION Alternatives for Children Daycare................................... 25 Bakshi Law..................................................................... 43 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool..................... 44 Fire Island School........................................................... 21 Fusion Education Group - Woodbury............................. 13 Gersh Academy.............................................................. 36 Huntington Learning Center........................................... 39 Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids Country Day.......................... 49 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken....................................... 39 LIU Center for Gifted Youth............................................ 52 Long Island Whole Child Academy................................. 44 Sappo School................................................................. 56 St. Isidore Catholic Elementary School.......................... 25 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS All Kids Fair.................................................................... 15 BounceU - Farmingdale................................................. 17 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.................................. 52 Safari Adventure............................................................. 25 HEALTH Affinity Health Plan......................................................... 55 C.I.I.T Center............................................................ 41, 45 Fairy LiceMothers........................................................... 20 Horizon Orthodontics................................................ 12, 45 Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County.......................... 3, 45 Pediatric Immediate Care......................................... 13, 45 Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics...................... 45 LEGAL SERVICES Bakshi Law..................................................................... 43 MUSIC Tumbling Tunes.............................................................. 52 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.................................... 2

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING Smithtown Performing Arts Center................................. 50 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.................................... 2 PLAY SPACES BounceU - Farmingdale................................................. 17 RELIGIOUS St. Isidore Catholic Elementary School.......................... 25 SERVICES Geico Insurance............................................................... 9 SPECIAL EVENTS All Kids Fair.................................................................... 15 Fusion Education Group - Woodbury............................. 13 SPECIAL NEEDS Alternatives for Children Daycare................................... 25 Bakshi Law..................................................................... 43 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool..................... 44 C.I.I.T Center............................................................ 41, 45 Camp Huntington............................................................ 41 Gersh Academy.............................................................. 36 Huntington Learning Center........................................... 39 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................. 40, 45 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken....................................... 39 Long Island Whole Child Academy................................. 44 Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County.......................... 3, 45 Pediatric Immediate Care......................................... 13, 45 Sappo School................................................................. 56 Strategic Staffing Works................................................. 36 Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics...................... 45 West Hills Day Camp...................................................... 51 SPORTS Future Stars - Old Westbury........................................... 48 Sportime......................................................................... 50 St. Patrick Youth Community.......................................... 50 THEATER Smithtown Performing Arts Center................................. 50

LongIslandParent 53

SpecialParent

VOICES

Powerful Tunes

››

How music lessons helped my child with autism and sensory processing disorder By Michaela Searfoorce

A

s a former music teacher, I pride myself on all of the musical ways my children learn in our household. We have mastered the continents, days of the week, months of the year, and even our phone number and address through songs. My kids still can’t say their phone number without singing it.

My oldest son, James, was born with a chromosome defect and multiple disabilities, among them autism and sensory processing disorder. Needless to say, his sensory issues and my knack for singing loudly in the car or playing Christmas carols on the piano at home didn’t make for a peaceful household.

Instead of me passing on my love for music, we stopped attending concerts and started avoiding birthday parties just to circumvent the pre-song anxiety and the post-song meltdown. At school, I was called in more than once after James had become overwhelmed by a choir concert or classmate’s birthday. It reached a point where it became a given that if his class was performing in an assembly, James would stay back in the classroom. Even movie soundtracks or church hymns were enough to make him put a blanket over his head and start crying.

As a musician, this music-phobia was particularly upsetting for me. When James turned 7 we moved to Manhattan. New York City was chock-full of special needs everything, integrated classrooms, sports teams—and as I would soon discover, music classes. After being called several times to pick James up early due to birthday songs, fire alarms, and choir assemblies at school, I decided it was time for drastic measures. With minimal searching online I found Daniel’s Music Foundation, which provides music classes to children and adults with disabilities.

When I contacted DMF we were asked to come in for an interview, after which James was formally invited to join in on a drumming and percussion class as well as a recreational music and movement session. Incredibly, James seemed at ease both during the interview and the initial classes, in which he was able to participate as much or as little as he felt comfortable. The volunteers were helpful and friendly, and the other students were eager while not without their own struggles, which seemed to comfort James. It was as if he knew that music was being explored and shared in a safe space, which made the exposure to it less frightening.

It wasn’t until several weeks later, when James made it through his first classmate’s birthday without tears, that I realized something incredible was happening. Later that

month, he did not hesitate when we broached the topic about participating in a performance.

“Do you want to sing with your class? Up on a stage in front of a crowd?” I asked.

“Sure, why not? Everyone in my class will be there,” he reasoned.

But even considering this amazing progress, it was with no small amount of anxiety that I headed to his first winter concert at the end of the semester.

The auditorium was packed and the audience was very enthusiastic throughout the show. As James walked onto the stage for the last number, people began to cheer and clap along and I could see him starting to lose his composure. I felt a thrill of dread in my stomach—what had I been thinking putting James up on stage when he couldn’t even sit through his own birthday cake?

As I watched James grow more and more agitated and began formulating his escape route, a young man hopped up onto the stage next to James and whispered something into his ear. It was Michael Trush, one of DMF’s founders. Within moments he and James were high-fiving and the song reached its conclusion, with Michael and James still standing together. James stood on stage wearing a nervous, but triumphant smile.

That miraculous moment occurred eight years ago. I want to make the story more interesting and say it was a long road with detours and U-turns, with setbacks and trials, but it was nothing so dramatic. It was more like finally finding the right exit off of the highway and smooth sailing to our destination from that point on. Many semesters later, James has performed on stage with DMF nearly a dozen times, including with the New York Yankees during HOPE Week and on the field at a Brooklyn Cyclones game. He sings hymns loudly at church and “Happy Birthday” to his siblings. There is a continuous stream of Michael Jackson and John Williams blasting out of his room, and I still can’t help but smile when I ask him to turn it down a little.

Michaela Searfoorce is a home-schooling mother of six children. She makes time to write in the wee hours. You can find more of her stories at thefoorce.com and thecentralparkzoo.com

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April 2017 | nymetroparents.com

State Senator Leroy Comrie and Councilman I. Daneek Miller, invite you to the

SPRiNG FLING FAMILY FUN DAY

Rain or Shine

SATURDAY APRIL 22nd 12PM-4PM St. Albans Park, Jamaica, New York (Between Sayres Ave and 111th Ave)

Activities will include: Kidz Zone games, arts and crafts, face-painting Music and live entertainment Health screenings for all ages Zumba class And much more!

For information about this event, visit:

AffinityPlan.org/SpringFling

For more information about Affinity, call:

866.731.8001

TTY/TDD Users: 800.662.1220 Social Media Icons 2017:

LongIslandParent 55

Sappo School

Academics and The Arts K-12 Non-Religious Private School NYS Regents Approved 25+ Years of Success for Anxiety, Dyslexia, & Gifted Children Tailored Learning Individualized Attention Small Class Size Project Based Learning College Preparatory STEM Program Visual & Performing Arts Renowned International Program Intensive ESL Classes www.sapposchool.com | 631-736-2146