Sp july2017

SUFFOLK EDITION 2017-2018

All-in-One

Resource Guide LongIslandParent NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions BIRTHDAYS • CLASSES • SPORTS • EDUCATION • HEALTH • SPECIAL NEEDS • CAMPS LongIslandParent

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LI Parent RESULTS full pg Jun 2017:Layout 1 5/1/17 10:17 AM Page 1

What’s different about a Catholic education?

We educate the whole person—mind, body and spirit. While most schools increasingly define themselves

by test scores, we believe that developing self-worth, grit and determination has a greater positive effect on a child’s life.

The result? Our students outperform most of their public school counterparts. Most of our elementary school students choose a quality Catholic high school. 99% of our high school students go on to college. And twice as many of our high school graduates earn the college degree they set out to achieve.

If you aren’t seeing the results you’d like from your children’s education, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

LongIslandParent

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

July 2017 ››

36

Features

10 Plan Your Child’s Birthday Party Time-saving tips for busy parents 14 How Can I Help My Child Build Stellar Writing Skills?

Advice to help your child with this crucial skill

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18 Should My Child Specialize in One Sport?

Why your child should try multiple sports before settling on one 36 Choosing a Pediatrician Expert tips to choose the right docotor for your children 40 Choosing the Best School for Your Child with Special Needs Get an expert’s answers to questions about this important decision

40

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs

Fun & Activities

22 When to Visit NYC’s Museums, Zoos, and Gardens for Free 25 Family Activities Calendar

Directories

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Family Activities CALENDAR ››

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12 16 19 20 38 42 44 46 48 49 50

Birthday Party Directory Education Directory Sports Directory Classes Directory Health Directory Special Needs Directory Camp Directory Professional Services Party Central Meet the Health Care Professional Advertisers’ Index

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

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

Our Goal is Zero.

We’ve come a long way in getting kids covered and giving them a healthy start in life - with regular checkups, dental and eye care, immunizations, and a doctor who knows their name.

But today, there are still more than 100,000 children in New York State who do not have health insurance – or the care they need to grow up happy, healthy, and strong.

It’s a troubling statistic that we can change.

Let’s Get Every Child Covered.

Call:

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) 1-800-421-1220 TTY Visit:

fideliscare.org fideliscare.org/offices Apply for Enrollment:

www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov

That’s why Fidelis Care is joining with New Yorkers everywhere to tell parents that learning about quality, affordable health insurance is just a call or click away.

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

LongIslandParent

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JULY 2017 • Vol.9 • No.2

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

EDITOR’S NOTE

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 INTERNS: Jamie Bonchick, Julia Hyman, Amanda Marrone

The Many Decisions of Parenthood

B

etween my three kids, they have five after-school or weekend classes and attend two schools and a day camp. They see a local pediatrician, dentist, and orthodontist regularly, a handful of medical specialists now and again, and unfortunately need visits to urgent care or the emergency room occasionally. There are, of course, three birthday parties to be planned, each fitting our girls’ passions (read: obsessions) at the moment. And the kids are cared for during workdays by a dedicated nanny, the fifth babysitter we’ve employed in the past decade, not counting occasional fill-ins and short-term hires.

I cite these facts not because I think we are in any way unique. Quite the contrary, I can picture many of you nodding along. It sometimes seems as if parenthood today requires an advanced degree in logistical planning just to get our kids where they need to be and back home afterward. But even before that point, there are endless decisions to be made, large and small, about our kids’ education, health, interests and activities, child care, and so much else. It can be overwhelming.

That’s where our annual All-in-One Resource Guide comes in.

We can’t get your kids to school or practice or the doctor, but we can help you make some of the many decisions that parenthood demands: where to send them to school, where to find the best local after-school activities for their interests, how to find the right doctors and specialists, where to hold their birthday parties, and so much more. In the pages of this issue, you will find directories of child-focused Long Island businesses, professionals, and resources, broken down by the categories that define some of the big decisions of parenthood.

All of these decisions, of course, can be draining on our bank accounts. As a bonus, we’re offering a guide to some cost-free fun: a list of New York City museums, gardens, and zoos that regularly offer free-admission times (p. 22). So when you need a break from all that decision-making for your kids, grab the family for a memorable outing.

We hope that this resource guide will help you make better decisions all year round!

Michael Kress Editorial Director

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager 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 Lisa Herlihy, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman 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

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

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CONTROLLER: David Friedman

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CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith

MOMMYBITES.COM

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Why are drugstores and pharmacies still selling

T TOBACCO p products?

It’s time to end this practice.

Show your support. #TobaccoFreePharmacies

LongIslandParent

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Who: Empire State Fair What’s New: The fair will make its first-ever appearance on Long Island for 11 days from July 20-30.

Empire State Fair will have rides for all ages, food, games, free entertainment, a comic ventriloquist, a master hypnotist, and racing pigs.

Families and young children will be able to enjoy Kiddie-Land’s 25 rides, including a classic double merry-go-round and a teacup ride.

Visitors will also be able to ride on the largest traveling Ferris wheel, arriving on Long Island from Holland, and fly in the original Batcopter of TV show fame.

“Empire State Fair is incredible, affordable family fun,” says Michele Tartaglione, managing director.

Want More Info: NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum presented by New York Community Bank, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale; 516-408-1500; contact@empirestatefair.com; empirestatefair.com

Courtesy Empire State Fair

Empire State Fair Is Coming to the Coliseum in Uniondale

Kiddie-Land will have 25 rides for younger children, including a teacup ride and a classic double merry-go-round.

Who: Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island What’s New: Reality Check youth advocacy training for 25 middle school students, starting July 6.

Reality Check, Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island’s Youth Component, is currently accepting applications for students coming into seventh-ninth grades who’d like to grow their youth advocacy skills.

Trainings will be held July 6, 13, and 27 at the Brentwood Public Library to educate students on the dangers of tobacco use and the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry.

Reality Check empowers youth to create change at the local and state level through education and policy efforts.

Want More Info: 631-415-0944; judith.montauban@lung.org; breathefreely.org

Courtesy Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island

Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island to Lead Youth Training

Reality Check is a youth-led, adult-supported program that runs across New York state.

The Gateway Launches Children’s Theatre Conservatory Program Who: The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County What’s New: The Children’s Theatre Conservatory program, which is an audition-only class for children in third through 12th grades who want to learn beyond the classroom and perform on stage.

The new program is a fully produced main stage production that includes full and more frequent rehearsals over a three-week period with a cast of approximately 30 members.

Auditions for this summer’s session are currently closed, but tickets can be purchased to Lion King Junior and Madagascar Junior at the box office.

Want More Info: 215 South Country Road, Bellport; 631-286-0555; actingschool@thegateway.org; thegateway.org

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The Children’s Theatre Conservatory program was created to produce more performance opportunities for students.

Courtesy The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

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LongIslandParent

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BIRTHDAYS

Plan Your Child’s Birthday Party ›› 30 time-saving tips for the busy parent By Julie Revelant

W

ant to throw an amazing birthday party, but short on time?

No problem. We compiled the best advice for busy parents on how to throw an easy, amazing birthday party for your special girl or boy. Get all the tips you need, from planning the event to choosing the perfect decorations, food, and party activities.

Planning

1. Shut down your computer: Brainstorm with your children and you’ll have great ideas in no time.

2. Make a checklist and create a schedule for a smooth soirée.

3. Shopping can be quick: Make a list of everything you’ll need from beginning to end and then a list by store.

4. After sending the snail mail invitation (if you’re doing snail mail at all), send an email reminder—you’ll get a response quicker than by making individual phone calls.

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5. Don’t write out each invitation by hand: Buy an invitation kit and print invites yourself. Or, for older children, create a private Facebook event page or send an evite; click send and you’re done!

6. Get your head count early: Send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance.

7. Give the professional photographer—or someone you designate to help with photo taking—a list of the people and key moments you want captured.

8. Don’t rush last minute: Choose a venue close to home and ask if you can arrive early to set up; or—even better—have the venue do the setup themselves.

Get Help

9. Ask the parents to stay and help out.

TAILORED LEARNING “ One size education does NOT fit all.”

10. Have a stress-free start: Ask a sibling or parent to greet guests, make them feel welcome, and show them the first activity.

11. Assign your spouse, partner, or a grandparent to completely handle decorations, games, or cleanup.

Decorations

12. No need to worry about getting the perfect shot: Get a professional photograph taken of the birthday child beforehand, and display it at the party.

13. Instead of blowing up balloons yourself, have them delivered to the venue.

14. Don’t stress out about finding every party item with the licensed character: Choose one item and coordinate the rest with items of the same color.

Activities

15. Play a simple trivia game such as Who Knows the Birthday Kid? 16. Pack a cooler of refreshments, head to your local park or ball field, and play flag football or baseball.

17. Utilize your own talents or hobbies for the activities: Teach children how to paint, cook, or dance.

18. Ask around: Get quick recommendations for great entertainers from friends and family.

19. For a sleepover party, buy mini pillows for the girls to throw at each other and also bring home as favors.

Food

20. Pick up vegetable and fruit platters—no slicing, no fuss!

21. Ask parents to bring a special dish and make it a potluck.

22. Set up a pasta or chili bar, or have kids make their own sandwiches or mini pizzas.

23. Don’t spend the night before baking: Have children decorate individual mini cakes as you decorate the main cake.

24. Buy individualized cups of ice cream—they’re convenient and make cleanup a breeze.

25. Enlist the help of a pro: Purchase a designer cake or pick up a ready-made one and use colored gels and icings to decorate it.

Goodie Bags and Favors

26. For spa parties, gather cosmetic samples at store makeup counters, which double as favors.

27. Don’t spend time stuffing goodie bags: Pass out small cellophane bags and have guests collect candy from the piñata to take home.

After the Party

28. Don’t rush: Collect all cards and gifts at your venue and open at home.

29. Address, stamp, and have your child sign thank-you notes ahead of time. Then, make a list of the gifts as they’re opened and write a personalized note later. Or create a thankyou note template or fill-in-the-blank. Change the name and the gift, then sign it and it’s done!

30. Save the snail mail thank-you notes for family, and send quick emails to friends.

Sappo School

Academics and The Arts K-12 Non-Religious Private School

Sappo School Sappo School Sappo NYS Regents Approved 25+ Years of Success for Anxiety, Dyslexia, & Gifted Children

Academics and The Arts Tailored Learning

Individualized Academics andAttention The ArtsSchool K-12 Non-Religious Private

Academics and The Arts Small Class Size

K-12Non-Religious Non-Religious Private School Project Based Learning K-12 Private School NYS Regents Approved College Preparatory Program 25+ Years ofSTEM Success for Anxiety, Visual & Performing Arts Dyslexia, & Gifted Children NYS Regents Approved Renowned International Program NYS Regents Approved

Intensive ESL Classes 25+ Years of Success for Anxiety, Tailored Learning 25+Individualized Years of Success Anxiety, www.sapposchool.com | for 631-736-2146 Dyslexia, & GiftedAttention Children

Dyslexia, & Gifted Children Small Class Size Tailored Learning

Project Based Learning TailoredPreparatory Learning Individualized Attention College STEM Program Small Class Size Individualized Attention Visual & Performing Arts

Small Class Size

Project Based Learning Renowned International Program College Preparatory Intensive ESL Classes Project Based Learning STEM Program www.sapposchool.com | 631-736-2146 College Preparatory Visual & Performing Arts

STEM Program Renowned Visual & International Performing Program Arts Intensive ESL Classes

Renowned International Program www.sapposchool.com | 631-736-2146 Intensive ESL Classes www.sapposchool.com | 631-736-2146 LongIslandParent 11

BIRTHDAY PARTY DIRECTORY

BIRTHDAY PARTY ENTERTAINMENT @ Play Amusements

229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Any theme you can dream! We are available for all special occasions from birthday parties to communions, bar and bat mitzvahs, sweet 16s, Scout events, corporate parties, and any special occasion. @ Play Amusements is here to plan your ultimate custom event. Bring us a theme that is your dream, and we will take care of everything from décor, specially catered menu by our on-staff chef, and music with a live DJ to photography package, character appearances, and more! Call us today and let us make your dream a reality.

Mad Science Of Long Island

Call for locations throughout Long Island 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com For more than 30 years, Mad Science has provided top-quality educational and fun science programs for children. Its handson, high-energy parties are performed by a trained Mad Scientist who brings all the necessary equipment to your home or location of your choice. All birthday party packages include Mad Science invitations and a takehome activity each child works on during the party. It also offers fantastic grand finales such as Bubbling Potions, Rocket Launching, and Science Goodie Bags.

BIRTHDAY 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 40,000 square feet of fun ranging from arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, and roller coaster to a carousel, disco room, and laser tag! It even provides all the paper goods, invites, thank-you notes, food, and private hostess!

It features five glow-in-the-dark private party rooms that are sure to be a hit! The action-packed amusement center will make your child’s special day be one they will never forget! Fun for all ages.

Art Buzz Kids

35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre wineanddesign.com/locations/syosset syosset@wineanddesign.com Spark your child’s creativity and imagination!

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Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. Art Buzz Kids is perfect for birthday parties, after-school classes, and summer camps. Our passion is art and inspiring children to have fun, get creative, and feel proud of their work! Your child’s inner artist is guaranteed to shine while being taught by a great team of professionals. You’ll always take home a masterpiece with Art Buzz Kids.

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. We feature giant inflatable toys and a wide variety of activities for children and adults, including basketball and boxing, obstacle courses, and slides. We take pride in providing superior customer service.

Private parties are meticulously planned and prepared by our knowledgeable staff, so parents can relax and enjoy themselves.

Celebrations In The Kitchen

63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event!

We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy—children, parents, family, friends, and boys and girls of any age. Guests enjoy our first-class facility complete with a huge exhibition-size kitchen, private party rooms, and a fabulous café and espresso bar for the adults to socialize! Baking experiences include 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 and classes.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter. For children turning ages 3 and older. Fishing Parties available too! Fishing partygoers will

enjoy a 45-minute fishing bonanza. Fishing is catch-and-release only. For children turning ages 4 and older. All parties will be followed by your desired festivities. Educational party hosts and goodie bags included.

Give It Your All Sports

2127 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma 631-676-4412 giveityourallsports.com info@giveityourallsports.com With four complete party packages to choose from, Give It Your All Sports is your choice when it comes to having fun, keeping children laughing, and leaving tired. Leave all the work to us and sit back and enjoy the show!

From toddlers to teenagers, Give It Your All Sports party packages will exceed your expectations. Make your child’s party experience a memory that will last a long time. Inflatables and sports mix provides the proper balance to keep the kids attention throughout the party!

Look us up on Facebook!

Key to My Art Inc.

10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com info@keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, we have a birthday party package to fit all budgets. Your little artist will love celebrating with their friends. The guest of honor picks the theme, and we provide the instruction so that each guest leaves with a masterpiece! The studio is run by a certified art teacher who is also a mother.

We host parties for all ages, and all types of children, from children with special needs to seasoned artists. We also cater to adults, and offer special rates for scouts and fundraisers!

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium with one of our expert educators. Receive preferential treatment at our Simulator and Discovery Tower rides and special seating at our Sea Lion Show, where the birthday child will get a shout-out from one of the stars! Have lunch and an ice cream cake in your private party room. The party doesn’t end when the candles are blown out, your guests have access to the aquarium for the entire day.

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

At My Gym the goal is to not only to make your party amazing but to make it a wonderful memory for all who attend. Parties include special touches such as our “Birthday March,” and customized music and activities.

You will also have exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides.

The highly trained, enthusiastic instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities, with theme options such as Superheroes, Mickey Mouse, Princesses, or any theme you choose.

Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjust art.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. We customize the fun to your child’s interest! Each party is thoughtfully designed with variations and adaptations to make sure all children feel successful and included.

Staffed by seasoned teachers and party helpers, our celebrations are unique and personalized experiences! Parties can be adapted for playgroups, Scout troops, field trips, and other events.

Safari Adventure

1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is Long Island’s premier family fun center and birthday party place. Children have a blast with the best mix of attractions on the East End, and parents can feel comfortable knowing their children are playing in one of the cleanest facilities on the island. Fun for the whole family with inflatables, four-level soft playground, arcade, handson creative sensory, interactive floor games and kinetic sand table, sensory calming spa for children with special needs, and a full cafe!

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 will present great shows for kids including Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In A Play, July 15-Aug. 20, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Sept. 16-Oct. 29, The Lion King Experience Jr. Edition, Feb. 10-24, 2018, Seussical Jr., March 17-April 29, 2018, and Willy Wonka Jr., May 19-June 24, 2018.

We provide a private room for your gathering. Cast members will meet with your party to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Call 631-724-3700 for more information and to book your date today.

GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL July 13, 14, 15, 16, 2017

The Village Artist

630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends. Celebrate your child’s birthday in a unique and fun way. Party services include 2 hours of studio time, creative art project of your choice (clay sculpture, painting, drawing, wood creations), step-by-step instructions, art supplies, free art class gift certificates for each child, invitations with directions, and separate dining area. Bringing creativity to Huntington Village since 1995.

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.

Offering a wide variety of party themes, we exceed customer’s expectations with superior service, quality, and value. Hottest party theme: Cupcake Wars! Funtastic cookie, cupcake, chocolate, pretzel, or pizza parties can be customized in our spacious party room with an ice cream candy bar or chocolate fountain, making your party memorable!

SUNDAY, JULY 16 at 12 PM Huge KidZone Tent & Stage Pirate Camp • Arts & Crafts Educational Children’s Performers

Rolie Polie Guacamole • Lucy Kalantari Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym Jam • Miss Nina Erin Lee & The Up Past Bedtime Band • Songs by Lena Cheryl The One Women Circus • I Love Reading & Magic Didi Maxx Dance Party • Dagger DogVinci • Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

ALL DAY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

4 Days • Over 65 Performers • 4 Stages also appearing

TAKING BACK SUNDAY POCO • EDDIE MONEY GOV’T MULE • 311 NEW FOUND GLORY Check the website for full schedule

Food Court • Craft Beer & Wine Artisans & Craftspeople Shorefront Park, on the beautiful Great South Bay in Patchogue

www.GreatSouthBayMusicFestival.com LongIslandParent 13

EDUCATION

How Can I Help My Child Build Stellar Writing Skills? ›› Expert advice to help your child with this crucial skill all year round By Emily Levy, Ed. D.

H

elp Your Child Create Lists

For some students, initiating the writing process can be challenging. They often feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the thought of having to compose a well-written paragraph or essay. To combat these fears, encourage your child to start by simply jotting down ideas about a given topic. For instance, if your youngster is asked to write a paragraph on why he likes summer, he can start by listing ideas about the joys of summer.

He might write in list format, for instance: one can play outside, spend more time with family and friends, go to camp, swim, travel, and lay at the beach. Once these ideas are on the page, he can then highlight the three or so points he plans to include in his writing.

Help Your Child Brainstorm

After your child has selected the points she plans to elaborate on in her paragraph or essay, she should brainstorm these ideas in an organized fashion. While there are various formats she can use for brainstorming, a web diagram is a useful tool. She can, 14

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

for instance, brainstorm for a basic five-sentence paragraph by writing the topic in a rectangular box at the top of the page, then connecting it to three circular bubbles beneath it (for the three key points, such as playing outside, spending time with family, and swimming), and finally ending with another rectangular box at the bottom for the concluding sentence.

Computer-based programs such as Kidspiration (for younger students) or Inspiration (for older students) can also serve as engaging multi-sensory options for brainstorming.

Start Writing

Once your child has listed his ideas and created a brainstorm diagram, he can turn those boxes and bubbles into complete sentences to form his paragraph. Have him turn the “topic” box into a topic sentence, such as, “There are many fun and engaging activities one can do during the summer.” Next, he can turn each detail bubble into a full sentence. For example, “You can play outside at a park or playground. You can spend more free time relaxing with friends and family. You can also swim in a pool or

Advanced Therapies to Treat

at the beach.” Finally, he should turn the bottom box into a conclusion sentence, which can express his opinion on the topic, such as, “I love summer” or “Summer is my favorite time of year.”

Tools for Self-Checking

Many students have a tendency to speed through their work to “get it over with” and often neglect to self-check their writing. Rather than telling them to simply “check” their work, teach them specific tools for how to go about doing so, such as the COPS acronym, which stands for Capitalization, Organization, Punctuation, and Spelling. Have her write the COPS acronym vertically at the bottom of her essay with a check box next to each letter. Once she is done writing her paragraph or essay, encourage her to go back and check for each individual item on the checklist (one at a time) and check off each one once she makes the relevant corrections.

As students move through school, the writing demands increase quickly. Help your child learn to effectively express her ideas on paper in an organized, well-structured manner and she will be well on her way to academic success.

Emily Levy, Ed.D., is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a 1-on-1 tutoring program for students in pre-K through 12th grades based in New York City, Westchester, and Englewood, NJ. Dr. Levy received her undergraduate degree from Brown University and later received her master’s degree in special education and her doctorate degree in general education. She is also the author of the Strategies for Study Success and Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Promote a Healthy Brain... So The Body Works Better All Under One Roof!

An Arsenal of Integrative Treatments To Stimulate the Brain and Body Neurology

Integrative Medicine

Nutritional Counseling Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Speech & Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

Functional Neurological Therapy Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Chiropractic Care IV Therapy

Sensory Integration Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Neuro Therapy Feedback Therapy

Right off LIE an Northern Sta d te

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

LongIslandParent 15

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

PRESCHOOLS Alternatives For Children

1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 S. Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Providing quality affordable day care and special education services since 1988. Creating a natural learning environment fostering each child’s development. Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education evaluation site and provider. Preschool special education, integrated classes, day care classes taught by NYS special education early childhood teachers, and certified day care staff promoting a child’s development through individualized instruction that will support them for the rest of their lives. Special education services of physical, occupational, and speech therapy provided by licensed therapists. Children leave Alternatives For Children ready to learn and ready for kindergarten.

Fire Island School District

631-583-5626; fi.k12.ny.us ptamberino@fi.k12.ny.us Now accepting non-resident students, Fire Island’s Woodhull School (pre-K through sixth grade) is a gem! Small class sizes, dynamic teachers, natural and technological resources, and a supportive community come together to help all students grow and thrive. Transportation to and from school, including after-school activities, occurs by bus. Both pre-K and kindergarten classes are full-day, and all students participate in musical groups, daily PE, Spanish, technology instruction, art and library classes, and social and emotional learning. Call for a bus pickup to visit our vibrant and unique little school.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

128 Cherry Lane, Hicksville 516-678-5800; drvcschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beauti-

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ful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Academically, the expectations of each student are high and the historical performance has been exceptional. The schools are differentiated from their public counterparts by their integrated program of learning and living the Catholic faith and values. We help instill the moral values, self-respect, and study habits that go on to serve our students well as they continue their education, and for the rest of their lives.

Holy Angels Regional School

1 Division St., Patchogue 631-475-2641 holyangelsregional.org mconnell@holyangelsregional.org Since 1923, Holy Angels Regional School has illuminated the hearts and minds of students through academic excellence and the values of the Catholic faith. Our mission is to provide each student the opportunity to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically in an environment that is safe and caring. Children’s success is based on the collaboration of parents, pastors, teachers, and administration. We offer a rich curriculum with innovative special classes, after-school activities, an early childhood academic program, an advanced curriculum, and a unique campus setting. Give your children the advantage that lasts a lifetime!

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com Sappo School is a non-religious, private college-preparatory school that believes in a tailored learning approach to education. Students are taught using their individual strengths and interests. Because our classes have a maximum of 15 students, our teachers are able to get to know our students and how they learn best. Our school focuses on project-based learning.

Students learn by doing as well as listening, reading, or watching.

Real world projects allow students to develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills. This creativity is enhanced through our STEM computer programing courses and visual and performing arts program.

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

St. Isidore School

515 Marcy Ave., Riverhead 631-727-1650; sisriverhead.com St. Isidore School provides educational opportunities that instruct students to have a sense of God’s love through liturgical, intellectual, and social experiences. The pre-K through eighth grade programs teach a faith-based academic curriculum with enrichment through fine arts, Spanish language education, technology instruction, and physical education. Eighth-grade students take Regents exams in math and science. Our students are well prepared to succeed due to the rigorous academics and character building that takes place in our faith-filled environment.

Welcome Wednesday tours are available by appointment.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fire Island School District

631-583-5626 fi.k12.ny.us ptamberino@fi.k12.ny.us Now accepting non-resident students, Fire Island’s Woodhull School (pre-K through sixth grade) is a gem! Small class sizes, dynamic teachers, natural and technological resources, and a supportive community come together to help all students grow and thrive. Transportation to and from school, including after-school activities, occurs by bus. Both pre-K and kindergarten classes are full-day, and all students participate in musical groups, daily PE, Spanish, technology instruction, art and library classes, and social and emotional learning. Call for a bus pickup to visit our vibrant and unique little school.

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. We represent parents and children with disabilities, acquire correct classification under IDEA, ensure proper implementation of IEP, ascertain correct placement for children, and tuition reimbursement. We attend CSE meetings, resolution meetings,

and suspension hearings, and all disciplinary hearings for special needs and general education students. Bakshi Law’s attorneys are passionate about your child’s education and offer assistance on a sliding scale for parents experiencing financial difficulties.

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool

29 Pinewood Drive, Commack 631-499-1237; bbdps.com Building Blocks Developmental Preschool is a NYS-approved provider of special education preschool services, serving Suffolk County for more than 31 years.

All of our special education classes follow NYS Learning Standards for preschool special education.

The preschool curriculum encompasses pre-literacy activities, language development, math concepts, fine and gross motor activities, and peer socialization while incorporating each child’s specific educational plan. Individual goals are targeted through a multi-model approach to encourage success. Our staff has many years of experience in early childhood special education. Half- and full-day programs available.

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

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000; littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. Services provided on-site, in homes, nursery schools, and day care centers include speech, feeding, occupational, physical, and movement therapies; behavior management or Applied Behavior Analysis; counseling; and support groups.

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 School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified impartial hearing officer who hears cases in New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties.

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning

175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org; etrdream@aol.com The Long Island Whole Child Academy, School for Twice Exceptional Learning, is the only Long Island school dedicated to serving once highly capable students who also cope with anxiety; executive functioning, social cognition, and sensory processing challenges; ADHD; and high-functioning ASD youth, who do not thrive in a traditional school setting. Our mission is to provide a cutting-edge, integrated educational experience that raises the academic bar while building social and emotional strength and resilience through individualized attention and best clinical and gifted education practices. We also offer Saturday adventures and mid-week homeschoolers’ clubs.

631-736-2146; sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com Sappo School provides a safe and nurturing environment for students who benefit from a tailored learning approach to education.

For more than 20 years, our school has benefitted students with anxiety, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and high-functioning students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Our small class size provides students with the opportunity for individual attention. Our school focuses on educating the whole child, socially,

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack

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. Either sign up for a no-cost workshop and learn all the tools necessary to strategically find fulfilling employment, or register for a nine-week class that will not only show you all the tools but immerse you in the process.

Topics will include determining areas of interest, entrepreneurship, funding for privately owned businesses, and discovering three employment themes and 60 possible places for employment.

Providing Services For Over 45 Years

not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning language and social delays, motor impairments and

Louis E. Mora, Ph.D., Psychologist P.C.

70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.com; lmoraphd@gmail.com Dr. Mora works with children and adults. He specializes in psychological testing, which helps improve diagnosing and treatment planning.

Such testing includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. This includes evaluating for ADHD and possible consequences of head injury. He has years of experience doing such testing with various populations. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and postdoctoral education in forensic psychology from St. John’s University. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Francis College.

emotionally, and academically.

We provide support to students, allowing them to build self-confidence, which fosters academic achievement. Students learn social skills by working in groups and problem-solving skills through projects and real world examples.

•SEIT •ABA Home Programs

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

•Special Ed Classes: - Developmental Groups (2 -3) - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - Inclusion

750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000 Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Department of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department

must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare.

LongIslandParent 17

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Should My Child Specialize in One Sport? ››

Why your child should try out multiple sports before settling on just one By Monica Holmes

What age is best to specialize in a sport?

Specialization in a single sport before the age of 10 is becoming more common. Parents and coaches often encourage this practice, thinking it will lead to athletic success and possibly an athletic scholarship. But less than 1 percent of high school athletes nationwide will receive an athletic scholarship and very few of those are “full rides.” Plus, specializing in a sport before the age of 10 can increase the chance of burnout. Therefore, experts believe that the ages of 12-13 are optimal to specialize in a sport.

My child really loves basketball; why should he play other sports, too?

Before your child can be great at any sport, he or she must be an athlete first. Early specialization hinders overall athletic development, while playing different sports will help your child develop a variety of skills. A great approach is to have your child play a team sport and an individual sport, such as basketball and martial arts. Another possibility is to combine indoor sports and outdoor sports, such as ice hockey and soccer. It is positive to change up the activity. Laying the foundation between the ages of 6-12 is

beneficial so that when your child does find a single sport he wants to focus on, the fundamentals are already there. Basic athletic, tactical, and perceptual skills are transferable to all sports.

Many successful athletes have backgrounds in sports other than the one they participate in, and most often they were involved in an activity that provided transferable fundamentals.

How can I help my child choose other sports to play in addition to the one she loves?

A few questions to ask before your child participates in a sport are: What is my child going to learn from it? Will this help build a foundation for future activities? Is she going to enjoy it? Choosing a sport for your child should not be a stressful process. Find out what your child is really interested in and start investigating.

Children are often interested in what they see. Go to sporting events and engage in conversations about the activity with your child. Parents and older siblings involved in sports are great examples for younger children. The activity needs to be a learning experience, and it needs to be enjoyable. If the fun factor is missing—no matter how good they are—they will not be interested in it for very long.

Monica Holmes is a former NCAA Division I volleyball coach who served as head coach of the volleyball team at Columbia University. She is also the founder of Movement Consulting, a youth fitness consulting firm located in Manhattan.

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

SPORTS DIRECTORY

MULTI-SPORTS PROGRAMS

St. Patrick Youth Community

St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick’s Youth Sports Programs promote our values, set goals, and help build lifelong friendships. We offer exciting team sport programs for boys and girls ages 4-16. Our sports programs include Deck Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, and Intramural Basketball. St. Patrick’s is a wonderful place for children and young people to be together, work as a team, have fun, learn, and grow. We are a community where there is something for everyone. Call us for details and registration dates.

www.notjustart.com 183 South Street Oyster Bay, NY 516-922-8300

Nurturing Creativity ®

music together ®• art • science classes • vacation camps • studio days • parties play groups • homeschoolers • scouts

Music Together® locations in Babylon, Bellmore, Garden City, Huntington, Manhassett, Massapequa, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Sea Cliff

Box Office Open Tues - Thurs 12:30 - 5:00pm and Sat 12:30 - 5:00pm ALL DATES, ACTS AND TICKET PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. TICKETS SUBJECT TO SERVICE CHARGES.

FOR OUR FULL SCHEDULE VISIT www.TheTheatreAtWestbury.com

LongIslandParent 19

CLASSES DIRECTORY

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

St. Patrick Youth Community

St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick’s Youth Enrichment Center offers a kindergarten readiness program, before- and after-school camp and care for children. Our center is a secure environment in which children can learn and grow. Children ages 2-12 will have an option for morning, afternoon, or after-school camp hours. Challenging, timely activities on-site will provide your child with what they need to be a well-rounded, thoughtful student.

St. Patrick’s Youth Learning Center offers tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

SAT preparations, study skills, and Catholic High School entrance exams classes are offered.

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com

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info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted® is a highly rigorous, creative, and engaging academic enrichment program for gifted students ages 3-16. Its curriculum includes Latin, writing, geography, global studies, world history, STEM, advanced linguistics, SAT vocabulary enrichment, public speaking, art, and creative problem solving. Gifted Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3-4) is offered as well as parallel classes for bright children not classified as gifted.

More than 400 students have enrolled in the program, all of whom have placed in the 90th percentile or higher on national tests with IQ scores between 130 and 155.

ART The Culture Connection

Stacy Santini: 631-977-0260 thecultureconnectionli.com info@thecultureconnection.org The Culture Connection is a passion project of Stacy Santini. The Culture Connection’s mission is to foster soulful learning, trigger the imagination, and enhance quality of life by connecting children with the arts and culture through fun, interactive, and educational creativity workshops developed by Stacy and her expert team of advisors.

Over the years we have defined and perfected a formula exclusive to us. We awaken the creator in your child and the result is nothing short of magical. For more information, please visit our website at thecultureconnectionli.com.

Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjustart.com More than ever, children need places to wonder, discover, play, create, experience joy, and express their ideas! Engaging natural curiosity and imagination is the heart of our Music Together® art, science, and story arts programs.

Inclusive hands-on activities emphasize learning process over product and performance. Staffed with experienced teachers, classes are developmentally appropriate and thoughtfully designed to nurture children and their families at each age and stage! Infants and

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

toddlers, pre-K to elementary, after-school, home-schoolers, Scouts, parties, drop-in studio, school vacation camps, and workshops. Music Together® locations in Nassau and Suffolk.

Picasso Kidz, Creative Art Studio For Children

72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz is a children’s art studio for ages 2-17. We offer age-appropriate art classes by experienced NYS-certified art teachers dedicated to giving children a well-rounded art education. Children will be taught drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and collage, in a caring and creative environment.

Mommy and Me classes for ages 2-3, include creative play, easel time, story time, and art lessons.

“Extraordinary Picasso” art classes are for children with special needs.

These are smaller classes, taught

by NYS-certified art teachers who have also been trained by Missing Piece Awareness.

DANCE TJE Dance Force

556 N. Country Road, St. James 631-584-6888 310 Main St., Holbrook 631-585-6900 tjedance.com info@tjedance.com Where family and dance come together! Come experience the finest, most talented, creative, award-winning staff that will motivate your child to do the best they can! The benefits your children will receive while dancing at TJE are the qualities every child needs to succeed—focus, concentration, self-confidence, and self-esteem— plus they’ll make a ton of new friends and most of all, they will be having fun while learning the many forms of dance! Come try a summer class. Four-week summer program July 24-Aug. 19.

MOMMY & ME BounceU Farmingdale

101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com

It’s not your birthday yet? That’s okay! Our Open Bounces are perfect for children to come in with their parents and bounce to their hearts’ content. Every Friday morning, we host a Preschool Playdate that includes bounce and snack for children ages 6 and younger, Wednesday nights we have Family Bounce Night, and Thursday nights are our All Ages Open Bounces.

Sessions may be added or cancelled based on availability, so please make sure to call us at 631-777-5867 or go online to bounceu.com/farmingdale-ny/ calendar/ to reserve your spot!

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool

29 Pinewood Drive, Commack 631-499-1237 bbdps.com Come join Building Blocks Developmental Preschool’s Parent-Child Group. This group focuses on learning together with your child. The group features movement activities, music, arts and crafts, circle time, group learning, stories, and more.

Children will also enjoy special activities in our outdoor classroom. Groups are open to young children ages 17 months to 3 years. All groups are led by a New York state teacher certified in Early Childhood Development.

This summer our Parent-Child Group is held Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30am, July 11-Aug. 8.

Grandparents welcomed. Fully air-conditioned.

Picasso Kidz, Creative Art Studio For Children

72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz Mommy and Me classes are taught by NYS-certified art teachers and are appropriate for ages 2-3. Our youngest little artists will explore painting, sculpture, collage, and printmaking with the guidance of both teacher and parent. Classes are one hour long and include creative play, easel time, story time, and sit down art lessons. All projects in this class focus on the process and experience of art making rather than the finished product.

MUSIC Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjustart.com More than ever, children need places to wonder, discover, play, create, experience joy, and express their ideas! Engaging natural curiosity and imagination is the heart of our Music Together® art, science, and story arts programs. Inclusive hands-on activities emphasize learning process over product and performance.

Staffed with experienced teachers, classes are developmentally appropriate and thoughtfully designed to nurture children and their families at each age and stage! Infants and toddlers, pre-K to elementary, after-school, home-schoolers, Scouts, parties, drop-in studio, school vacation camps, and workshops.

Music Together® locations in Nassau and Suffolk.

631-286-1133 thegateway.org Since 1950, The Gateway has been Long Island’s home for high-quality arts education— both Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman began their careers here. More than 300 students each year, from Montauk to Manhattan, receive professional-level training at The Gateway School for the Performing Arts. The focus at Gateway is on providing training that will build technique while working toward a production. Whether

it’s audition techniques, scene study, improvisation, or character development, students learn from professional teachers in a fun and social environment!

Tower Talent

535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville 516-765-2400 towertalent.com towertalentclasses@gmail.com On-camera acting, modeling, and vocal coaching for kids and teens ages 4 and older. Build confidence, overcome shyness,

and prepare your child for a future career in entertainment.

Local auditions with NYC talent agencies, management, and casting companies are held at our Melville location and are provided to students for potential jobs in commercials, TV, film, fashion shows, and print campaigns.

Attend special guest workshops and learn from working actors, models, and casting directors.

After school and on weekends. If your child has star quality, give us a call today.

TJE Dance Force is with you!

STEM Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com The Village East Gifted® STEAM program integrates art into interactive workshops and experiments in the following areas of study: anatomy and physiology, biomedical studies, genetics, microscope analysis, infectious disease and pathology, engineering, astronomy, space flight, life sciences, and living environment.

VEG STEAM classes and workshops are offered after school and on weekends for kindergarten-seventh grades. VEG offers highly rigorous, creative, and engaging academic enrichment in all subject areas. All gifted participants place in the 90th percentile or higher on national tests with IQ scores between 130-155.

Convenient locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

THEATER The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County The Gateway School for the Performing Arts

215 S. Country Road, Bellport

Come experience the finest, most talented, creative, award-winning staff who will motivate your child to do the best they can! The benefits your children will receive while dancing at TJE are the qualities every child needs to succeed — focus, concentration, self-confidence and self-esteem, plus they’ll make a ton of new friends and most of all...they will be having fun while learning the many forms of dance!

Where family and dance come together!

Jazz

Hip Hop Ballet Tap Lyrical Character Combo Tiny Dancer Intro to Dance Acro Kiddie Kharacter Break Dance Boys Hip Hop Special Needs Open/Contemporary

Jumps & Turns Technique

Come try a summer class!

4 Week Summer Program | Monday, July 24th – Saturday, August 19th

Fall Registration

St James : 8/29, 8/30, 9/8 3:00 pm-7:00 pm | 9/9 10:00 am -2:00 pm.

Holbrook : 8/28 , 8/31 ,9/5 , 9/6, 9/7 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 9/9 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

www.tjedance.com

St. James: 556 North Country Road, St. James • 631-584-6888 Holbrook: 310 Main Street, Holbrook • 631-585-6900 LongIslandParent 21

A young visitor to the Museum of Modern Art peers at Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”.

When To Visit NYC’s Museums, Zoos, and Gardens for Free ››

Have fun all year long without breaking the bank, thanks to these free admission times at some favorite area attractions. By Catherine Patwell The Bronx

The Bronx Zoo: General admission is free on Wednesdays.

Visitors are asked to donate what they wish to support the zoo’s mission. Total Experience activities cost extra.

New York Botanical Garden: Free grounds admission all day on Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9-10am. Special exhibits cost extra.

Wave Hill: Free on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9am-12pm. The garden also hosts special free arts events throughout the year.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Free all day on Tuesdays, and Saturdays from 10am-12pm; free on winter weekdays, December-February 22

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Free on Thursday afternoons from 2-6pm New York Aquarium: Pay what you wish on Fridays, 3-3:30pm, during the fall, winter, and spring; in the summer, free Friday hours run from 4-5pm.

Manhattan

Children’s Museum of the Arts: Pay what you wish on Thursdays, 4-6pm.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan: Free the first Friday of every month, 5-8pm The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Free on Fridays, 4-8pm

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

FALL 2017 AND SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM New-York Historical Society: Pay what you wish on Fridays, 6-8pm, which includes the DiMenna Children’s History Museum.

Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling: Admission for children ages 8 and younger is always free. Children ages 9-17 enter for $4; adult admission is $7.

Oct 7th – Dec 16th and Feb 3rd – April 28th, 2018 for students entering grades K-8

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

Whitney Museum of American Art: Pay what you wish on Fridays, 7-10pm

Staten Island

The Staten Island Children’s Museum: Free on Wednesdays from 3-5pm Staten Island Zoo: Free on Wednesdays, 2-4:45pm

Queens

New York Hall of Science: Free admission on Fridays, 2-5pm, and Sundays, 10-11am Queens Botanical Garden: Admission is free every day, November-March. Admission is free Wednesdays, 3-6pm, and Sundays, 4-6pm, April-October.

Catherine Patwell is a former NYMetroParents editorial assistant.

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-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.

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

Follow us on Twitter

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

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

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BEST SUNDAY WITH THE FAMILY SUNDAY, SEPT. 17TH

LIU - PRATT CENTER, 11 – 3 PM BROOKVILLE

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

EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER suffolkcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR 31

Kindness Crusaders, Little Foodies

32

Movers & Shakers, Mini Musicians

Animal Lovers

33

Show Time!, Crafty Kids

The Great Outdoors, Special Needs

34

On Screen

26

Editor’s Hot Tickets

27

Must-Sees in NYC

28

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Smarty Pants

29 30

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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

Bubble Trouble

WHEN: Through July 1: Friday-Saturday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: The Gateway, 215 S. Country Road, Bellport AGES: All WHAT: Jeff Boyer juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Would you believe he can even make a bubble

roller coaster?

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

Eternal Con: The Long Island Comic Con

WHEN: July 1-2, Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: NYCB Live at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Dedicated to bringing fans a more intimate convention experience, Eternal Con is the place where you can get up close and personal with your favorite stars and comic book celebrities.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

WANT TO GO? $12 and up. 516-900-4748. eternalcon.com.

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The Horsing Around Show

WHEN: July 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: The Horsing Around Show is an equine entertainment show that’s fun for the whole family.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will be thrilled by what horses can do!

WANT TO GO? $18.95; $16.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6644. longislandgamefarm.com.

3

Mini Golf Day FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, July 11, 11am-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Play a round of mini golf in the library.

Drop by the children’s reference desk to borrow a club, ball, and scorecard.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A fun way to explore the library.

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

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5

CityBound Must-Sees in

N Y C

Goat on a Boat: ‘Cardboard Explosion’

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WHEN: Tuesday, July 18, 5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a unique performance by madcap balloon artist Allynn Gooen, who fills the stage with extraordinary balloon creations.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Gooen uses balloons to tell a story, starring the audience.

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

7

Revolutionary War Encampment: The Third New York Regiment FREE

WHEN: Sat urday, July 22, 10am-4pm WHERE: Outdoors on the Great Lawn, 35 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Catch demonstrations of firearms, military drills, cooking over open fire, and other typical camp activities.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Step back in history to the year 1775 and experience 18th-century camp life.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

Mermaid Tea Party

9

Happy Birthday America!

The most famous 4th of July fireworks display in the U.S. returns to the East River for the third year running. The 41st Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will again light up the Brooklyn Bridge and feature the most fantastic display of pyrotechnics around. There will also be musical entertainment from artists including Jamie Barton and Craig Campbell. Each year, nearly 50,000 pyrotechnic shells are used during the 25-minute synchronized display that takes months to plan.

If you’re not lucky enough to live in a DUMBO penthouse and want to snag a good spot, arrive very early and be prepared to wait to take in the extraordinary show. Or simply turn on your TV instead. July 4, 9:20pm. Age: All. East River; full viewing locations TBA. 212-494-4495. macys.com/fireworks.

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WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 12-1pm and 2-3pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Decorate a tiara, explore beautiful shells, make a craft, and enjoy treats and iced tea. The first session is for children ages 3-6 and second is for ages 6-12.

WHY WE LOVE IT: What could be more fun than celebrating these fishy friends?

WANT TO GO? $15; $4 additional children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Wacky Water Wednesdays

Catch the biggest and best 4th of July fireworks on the East River.

Richard Brown/Lincoln Center Archives

Kids on the Green: ‘Goowin’s Balloowins’ FREE

Dan Nguyen/Creative Commons

WHEN: Thursday, July 13, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: With help from the audience, puppeteer Brad Shur transforms simple cardboard shapes into elaborate, lively puppet characters.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This fun, energetic program requires audience participation to propel the story.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

WHEN: July 1-Aug. 31, Wednesdays, 11am-2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring a towel and sunblock and get ready for sprinklers, bubbles, and lawn games.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Little ones love bubbles and cooling off in a sprinkler.

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

Double Dutch Championships in Fountain Plaza (Josie Robertson Plaza) in 1976

Pick Up Your Feet The Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Weekend this year will be a celebration of Double Dutch in NYC. Part of the Lincoln Center’s annual summer festival, the event will explore the women of color who’ve contributed to the cultural fabric of the city through this competitive sport turned art form. It will feature jumping demonstrations, jump-ins, panel discussions, a film screening, and exhibition. The highlight of the weekend will be the Double Dutch Summer Classic National Competition, with jumpers from all over the country competing for the national title.

See website for event times. July 29-30. Age: All. Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side. 212-875-5456. lcoutofdoors.org.

LongIslandParent 27

SMARTY PANTS ConSenses Workshop with Sally Taylor FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 6, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Consenses is an artistic game of Telephone using every medium of art as a language through which to grow a broader understanding of the world around us.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Wampum Making FREE

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

Kid Flix Open House: Make Your Own Movie Crafts FREE

WHEN: July 5-6, Wednesday-Thursday, 9:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Plaza Cinema and Media Arts Center, 20 Terry St., Patchogue AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Kid Flix selections from the NY International Children’s Film festival will be screened while children make crafts related to movies.

WANT TO GO? 631-438-0083. plazamac.org.

Walk Through History with Farmer and Revolutionary War Spy Abraham Woodhull

WHEN: Sunday, July 9, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Caroline Church and Cemetery, 1 Dyke Road, East Setauket AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Tour-goers are introduced to the woods, fields, ponds, and bays that tell the story of Long Island’s colonization and settlement preceding the Revolution and the creation of the new nation.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-751-3730. threevillagehistoricalsociety.org.

Apothecary Medicine & Blacksmithing FREE

Brady Rymer in Concert FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 5:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This grammy-nominated singer-songwriter performs his popular hits.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Historical Society, 101 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Learn about 18th century diseases, dental care, medicinal herbs, and medicine making at an Apothecary display.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

Family Fun Day FREE

Instrument Making with CMEE FREE

WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 12-5pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Local author Cindy Sommer will read her book Saving Kate’s Flowers, then enjoy nature-themed crafts and special guests from the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind.

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

The Art of Chess with Ulysses Tapley FREE

WHEN: Sunday, July 30, 2-5pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Whether you are a chess expert or new to the game, join coach Ulysses Tapley to play and learn chess.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Pajama Story Time FREE

WHEN: July 6-Aug. 2, see website for dates, 7-7:30pm WHERE: Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket AGES: 2-6, adult WHAT: Put on your PJs, grab your teddy bear and a parent, and come to the library for stories.

WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org.

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WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Historical Society, 101 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Arthur Kirmss, New York’s early Dutch colonial craftsman, makes quahog shell wampum beads, using authentic Native- and Dutch-style tools.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Educators from the Children’s Museum of the East End will conduct an instrument-making workshop.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Junior Scientists FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children explore basic scientific principles with hands-on activities.

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

Historical Spinning FREE

WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Historical Society, 101 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Learn the methods of carding, drafting, and spinning unprocessed fleece into yarn.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Experience the magic of meditation and shamanic drumming surrounded by horses.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-456-1700. greenlawnequestrian.com.

Summer Workshops for Children

The Extreme Raptor Project

WHEN: July 10-Aug. 16, see website for dates, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Each workshop offers an educator-led visit through the museum and a project. Registration required.

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

Guided Tours

WHEN: July 1-Oct. 25, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4:30pm WHERE: Stony Brook Grist Mill, Harbor Road and Main Street, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: A “miller” dressed in period clothing will take you through the process of how grain was ground into flour in 1751.

WANT TO GO? $2; $1 children. 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.

Hunting the Whale: The Rise and Fall of a Southampton Industry

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm WHERE: South Hampton Historical Museum, Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Whaling tools, maps, illustrations, archival images, and text will be displayed with an eye toward making the exhibit accessible to audiences of varied interests and all ages.

WANT TO GO? $4. 631-283-2494. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Frogs, Bugs, and Animals Nature Show FREE

WHEN: Friday, July 7, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn about and touch pet toads, frogs, bugs, bunnies, hedgehogs, chickens, hermit crabs, and more.

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

Butterfly Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 1-4pm WHERE: Main Street Nursery, 475 W. Main St., Huntington AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Visit with the butterflies, learn about their life cycle, and plant a butterfly attraction.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4515. mainstreetnursery.com.

Horse Wisdom Meditation and Shamanic Drum Circle

WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 7-9pm WHERE: Greenlawn Equestrian Center, 29 Wood Ave., Greenlawn

WHEN: July 6-10, Thursday-Monday, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: The Extreme Raptor Project offers an extraordinary array of birds including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.

WANT TO GO? $18.95; $16.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6644. longislandgamefarm.com.

Family Fridays: Eric and His Reptile Edventures FREE

WHEN: Friday, July 21, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: The Common Ground, Rotary Park between Gillette and Candee avenues, Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Erik returns with fascinating and fun facts about his amazing creatures.

WANT TO GO? 631-664-4230. thecommonground.com.

Meet the Animals with Quogue Wildlife Refuge FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Educators from Quogue Wildlife Refuge present a fun and educational Meet-the-Animals program for an up-close and personal view.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

I Love Animal Art Camp

WHEN: July 25-27, Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Draw, paint, and sculpt dogs, cats, and more.

WANT TO GO? $40 per day. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

‘You’re All Great’ Bird Show

WHEN: July 1-Aug. 31, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, and 4:30pm WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The birds of Extreme Parrots perform aerial displays and other extreme acts with help from the audience.

WANT TO GO? $18.75. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com.

Meet Patches the Giraffe

WHEN: Through Sept. 17: daily, 10:30am WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come meet the newest farm family member Patches the Giraffe.

She is sweet and loves to give kisses.

WANT TO GO? $18.75. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com. ›› LongIslandParent 29

Goat on a Boat: ‘The Comical Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard’

WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In this comic poem written in 1805, Old Mother Hubbard is always looking out for her best friend and he returns the favor with dancing and other tricks.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

Goat on a Boat: ‘The Pied Piper’ Performed By Cactushead Puppets WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Not only does the town find a musical solution to pest control, but the kids of Hamelin teach the grown-ups a lesson about generosity.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King Jr.’

SHOW TIME!

WHEN: July 28-Aug. 5, Fridays, 11am and 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The African Savannah comes to life on stage in this special version of the musical tailored to younger audiences.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

‘Ragtime’

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are In a Play’

WHEN: Through July 9: Wednesdays, 2pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sundays, 2:30pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This sweeping musical portrait of early 20-century America tells the story of three families in the pursuit of the American dream.

WANT TO GO? $29. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

‘Madagascar Jr.’

WHEN: July 7-15, Fridays, 11am and 2pm; Saturdays, 11am WHERE: The Gateway, 215 S. Country Road, Bellport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Catch the antics of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip-hip-Hippo, and the hilarious, plotting penguins.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

‘Pinkalicious the Musical’

WHEN: Friday, July 21, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes which lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink enthusiast.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

WHEN: July 15-Aug. 20, Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get ready for a musical experience based on Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books.

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

‘Freckleface Strawberry the Musical’

WHEN: July 22-Aug. 27, Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: With the help of her loveable schoolmates, Freckleface learns that everyone is different, and that’s what makes everyone special.

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

CRAFTY KIDS

Family Seaside Adventure: Painting on Snow Fence

WHEN: Tuesday, July 25, 5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Family-friendly performance on the green.

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

WHEN: Wednesday, July 5, 10am-12pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Tour the tower and make a painting on snow fence. Children must be accompanied by adult. Call to register.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

KidFest: The Amazing Max

Little Brush Strokes for the Bays: Painting Party for Kids

Kids on the Green: Super Circus Stuff Duo FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26, 5pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The Amazing Max is an interactive magic show with a mind of its own.

WANT TO GO? $18; $14 children. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, July 7, 5pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Children create a marine-themed work of art to take home, and learn about the marine species or habitat type featured in the subject.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

African Safari Art Camp

WHEN: July 5-7, 10am-12pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Draw, paint, and sculpt a zebra, lion, and giraffe.

WANT TO GO? $40 per day. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

Pirates and Princesses Art Camp

WHEN: July 11-13, 10am-12pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Draw, paint, and sculpt pirates and treasure chests.

WANT TO GO? $40 per day. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

Printmaking Workshop with Andrea Cote

WHEN: Friday, July 14, 4:30-6pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families experiment with simple printmaking methods to create favorite animals.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Weekend Whaler

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See some whaling artifacts from the museum’s collection up close and make a “scrimshaw” design box.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. $8 craft fee. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Out of This World Art Camp

KINDNESS CRUSDERS Long Island Cares Food Truck FREE

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Long Island Cares-Harry Chapin Food Bank will provide free, ready-to-eat breakfast items for children.

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

Reality Check: Youth Advocates FREE

WHEN: July 6-27, Thursdays, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn what you can do to create the first tobacco free generation.

Community service hours will be earned.

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

Kindness Counts FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-9pm; Saturday, 9:30am-7pm; Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens can earn community service hours by accomplishing kindness tasks listed on Bingo boards supplied by the library. Teens can pick up a Bingo board during regular library hours.

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

LITTLE FOODIES Tots Cooking Classes: Pancake Party

WHEN: July 18-20, Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Draw, paint, and sculpt rocket ships and astronauts.

WANT TO GO? $40 per day. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

WHEN: Thursday, July 13, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Experience the entire wheat harvesting, threshing, winnowing, grinding, and eating process.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 additional child. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

KidFest Workshop

Tots Cooking Classes: Mesclun Mix Up

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26, 4pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make black magic scratch pictures.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

Sailin’ Saturdays

WHEN: July 1-29, Saturdays, 11am-5pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Through the month of July, come in on Saturdays during regular museum hours for open-ended, do-it-yourself crafts.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Family Paint Night

WHEN: July 15-29, Saturdays, 4-8pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Step by step instruction to make a masterpiece. Paint a sea turtle on July 15 and a parrot on July 29.

WANT TO GO? $25. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children pick and eat lettuce.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 additional child. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com. ››

WHAT: This dance party features real music spun and mixed by DJs blending classic disco tunes from the ’70s and ’80s with today’s dance tunes.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Children Funtastic Fridays FREE

WHEN: July 7-28, Fridays, 1-3pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Drop in to enjoy crafts, special events, and activities.

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

MINI

MUSICIANS Kids on the Green: What’s All That Jazz? FREE

MOVERS & SHAKERS Parade of American Flags FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, July 4, 10am-4pm WHERE: Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Includes state flags, flags the colonial period, Suffolk County flags, Old Glory, Armed Forces, and more.

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

Family Seaside Adventure: U.S. Lifesaving Service

WHEN: Wednesday, July 12, 10am-12pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn about the U.S. Lifesaving Service (USLSS), tour the Lens Building and the Boat House, and paint a wooden fish to bring home.

Call to register.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Dungeons and Dragons FREE

WHEN: July 12-26, Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn character creation and come together to try and stop the great forces of the forgotten Realms.

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

Baby Loves Disco Afternoon Dance Party FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 5:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, July 11, 5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy this family-friendly jazz performance on the green.

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

Yacouba Sissoka & LUMA in Concert, with African Dancing FREE WHEN: Thursday, July 13, 5pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy authentic Malian music, storytelling, and funky grooves.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Cruising Steady: The Music & Friendship of Smokey Robinson & Aretha Franklin WHEN: Friday, July 14, 8pm WHERE: The Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This musical revue showcases the music and friendship of two long-time friends from Detroit.

WANT TO GO? $45. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.

Imagination Movers at Great South Bay Music Festival

WHEN: Sunday, July 16, 12pm WHERE: Great South Bay Music Festival July 2017, Shorefront Park, Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: The Great South Bay Music Festival is the longest-running and largest, four-day American-themed music, art, and cultural family event on Long Island.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-331-0808. greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com.

The Lords of 52nd Street: Billy Joel’s Original Band

WHEN: Friday, July 28, 8pm WHERE: The Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This summer infusion of Billy Joel music is performed by the band that originally recorded them.

WANT TO GO? $39-$45. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.

Family Fridays: Darlene Graham Song and Dance FREE

WHEN: Friday, July 28, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: The Common Ground, Rotary Park between Gillette and Candee avenues, Sayville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Darlene gets everyone up and dancing with her lively music and surprises.

WANT TO GO? 631-664-4230. thecommonground.com.

Sunday Summer Concerts on the Green FREE

WHEN: July 9-Aug. 20, Sundays, 7-9pm WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family to this ongoing concert series featuring a new band each week.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Under The Sea Sprinkler Party

WHEN: Sunday, July 9, 12-3pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Sag Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Dance and splash through sprinklers and enjoy craft stations throughout the museum. Cool off with free ice pops.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Stories Under the Tree with Rogers Memorial Library FREE

WHEN: Thursday, July 13, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children and caregivers gather under a big shady tree to hear favorite stories read by Lynne Burgess. Bring chairs and blankets.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Family Seaside Adventure: Seining in the Bay

WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, 10am-12pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children learn about seining in the bay and paint a clam shell.

Wear bathing suits and water shoes, and bring a towel. Call to register.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Family Seaside Adventure: Nature Walk

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26, 10am-12pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take a nature walk and make a fish print. Bring a plain tee shirt and/or tote bag. Call to register.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Tots Cooking Classes: Fairy Gardening

WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Take a journey to fairy-land by planting a fairy garden that includes some herbs and foods for the fairies to eat.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 additional child. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

Huntington Summer Arts Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 13: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30-10:30pm WHERE: Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Various performing artists including dance, music, and theatre will be on the stage.

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

SPECIAL NEEDS Sky Zone Cares

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

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. ›› LongIslandParent 33

HE'S A ROCKSTAR!

ON SCREEN Delicious Discussions: ‘Baymen - Our Waters are Dying’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, July 7, 12pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The film depicts clam diggers whose traditional way of life is threatened due to water pollution. Bring lunch and call to register.

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

Cinema for Kids: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’

WHEN: Sunday, July 16, 11am WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The owner of a chocolate factory leads five young winners on a thrilling and often dangerous tour of his factory.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 13. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.

CATCH HIS ACT IN OUR DAILY SEA LION SHOWS!

Family Night Out Outdoor Movie: ‘Monster Trucks’ FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: The library provides snacks and drinks. Bring a blanket or chairs.

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

Don’t miss the show! Watch him clap, roar and soar through the air as his caretakers explain why teaching him husbandry behaviors are so important!

Stony Brook Film Festival: ‘Ethel & Ernest’

WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 4pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The film, based on the graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, depicts his parents life during extraordinary events.

WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

Visit LongIslandAquarium.com!

Stony Brook Film Festival: ‘Fanny’s Journey’

431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 631.208.9200, ext. 426 Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving. *Admission must be used within 7 days of your birthday. No exceptions and no refunds for previously purchased tickets. Valid ID is required. No ID no admittance. Birthday offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Good for 2017.

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Sea Lion NYMetro 3.55x9.6 June 2017.indd 1

6/21/17 12:03 PM

WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Fanny and her sisters attempt to escape Nazi occupied France but many dangers are ahead of them.

WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

Stony Brook Film Festival: ‘Little Wing’

WHEN: Tuesday, July 25, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The story of 12-year-old Varpu, who’s quickly growing to adulthood, and her mother, who doesn’t want to grow up.

WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

Stony Brook Film Festival: ‘Purple Dreams’

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WHEN: Thursday, July 27, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A window into the lives of inner-city, at-risk students who succeed at their passion while embracing the transformative power of the arts.

WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

Sign-up Today!

Coming up next month: AUG. 9: Seaside Story Time: National Book Lovers Day at Fire Island Lighthouse, Fire Island AUG. 11: The Amazing Max: Off-Broadway Illusionist at Patchogue Theatre, Patchogue AUG. 15: Learn a Whaler’s Skill: Scrimshaw Art at Rogers Mansion, Southampton

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HEALTH

Choosing a Pediatrician

››

Tips from experts to pick the right doctor for your children

W

hen should I start looking for a pediatrician?

It’s a good idea to start looking for a pediatrician before your child is even born. Many parents begin looking when they are in the second trimester of their pregnancy. In most cases, your pediatrician or another pediatrician in their practice will see your newborn while you are still in the hospital after delivery. Having chosen a pediatrician will be helpful because you, your baby, and your pediatrician will start to form a relationship that will hopefully last for years. —Sanjiv Shah, M.D., chief medical officer of Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan What should I look for when choosing a pediatrician for my family?

Look for someone who is board-eligible or, preferably, boardcertified in pediatrics. It is always a good idea to ask family and friends which pediatrician they have chosen and why. You may want to know what hospital your pediatrician is affiliated with in case your child has a medical emergency and needs to be admitted.

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July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

After you’ve confirmed that the pediatrician or practice accepts your insurance, interview the pediatrician, either by phone or in person. That will give you a good sense of her bedside manner. If you have strong feelings about certain health topics, be up front with the pediatrician. If you don’t share the same philosophy, it might not be a good fit.

Ask how emergencies are handled on the weekend or after hours, and how the pediatrician plans for coverage when he is on vacation. Also, find out what happens if you call the pediatrician with a medical question during the day. How quickly are calls returned? Would you be able to speak with a nurse if the pediatrician isn’t available?

Visiting the office during its regular hours will give you a good sense of cleanliness as well as how courteous and personable the staff is.

After visiting the office, it may be helpful to make a list of what you like or may not like about each pediatrician and practice. —Dr. Shah Comfort should also be a big part of choosing a pediatrician.

How comfortable are you when you visit this doctor? Are you

going to be able to remember the answers he gives you? You also want a pediatrician who you feel is personable. It’s just like any other relationship—some people you like, some people you don’t like. So if it’s not an amenable situation, I think it is important to try an alternative.

I wouldn’t go into a meet-and-greet with a pediatrician and pretend that you’re interviewing somebody for a job. Doctors have sat through many interviews before and it’s a little bit disconcerting. You can do the research online to get a feel for the doctor and how she approaches medicine and how she approaches kids.

The most important thing is how do you feel when you leave a practice after a meet-and-greet. Do you feel like your questions were answered? Did you feel like you learned anything from the conversation? Did you feel at ease and comfortable in the office and while talking to the staff? —Hai Cao, M.D., a pediatrician at South Slope Pediatrics in Park Slope, Brooklyn What questions should I ask the doctor when choosing a practice for my child with special needs?

Many offices will have no answers to these questions, but the manner in which they address your concerns will give you a lot of insight into how they will treat your family member, both medically and as a person.

• Is the office accessible?

• Is there an elevator? If so, what is the plan for when the elevator is not working?

• Do they have scales to weigh patients with different levels of mobility?

• Are there exam tables to accommodate patients with special needs?

• What about patients with visual and hearing impairments?

• Is there a doctor on call who will be familiar with my child’s special needs?

• What training is given to staff regarding providing care for patients with developmental disabilities?

• What do you do if a patient becomes agitated or combative in the waiting room?

• How do you draw blood or give shots if a patient with a developmental disability objects?

• Do you have or participate in any programs to help desensitize a patient to these more invasive procedures?

—Lela Mayers, M.D., M.P.H., medical director for Aetna The pediatrician I chose for my family seemed like a great fit, but now I am not sure I made the right decision. What should I do?

Ask yourself whether the pediatrician isn’t a good fit or whether it’s the whole practice. If you are interested in working with another pediatrician in the practice, it shouldn’t be a problem.

You can ask for a different pediatrician when you make your child’s next appointment.

If you wish to change to a different practice, don’t feel guilty or worry that you will hurt anyone’s feelings. Your child’s care is the most important consideration. Again, ask family and friends for recommendations. Once you make the change, be sure to transfer your child’s immunization records and the results of tests. That will give your new pediatrician a good sense of your child’s health history. —Dr. Shah

TICKS AND LYME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS Much has been in the news recently about ticks and tick-borne infections, particularly Lyme disease. The CDC has warned that this summer, ticks will be at an all-time high.

So, what can you do to protect your kids from Lyme and other tickborne infections?

The best treatment is prevention. To avoid tick bites, avoid high grass areas, keep your body covered, and use insect repellants.

However, despite your best prevention efforts, a tick or two is likely to find your kids this summer. While there are many types of ticks out there, deer ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme. A tick needs to be attached for more than 36 hours to transmit infection.

Check your kids for ticks daily as a second line of defense. Don’t forget behind the ears, in the armpits, groin, belly button, and hair.

If you find a tick on your child, don’t panic. Remove it immediately with a tweezer. Do not use a smoldering match, nail polish, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), liquid soap, or kerosene because they may irritate the tick and cause it inject bodily fluids into the wound. Don’t worry if a small piece of the tick gets left behind. Any small pieces left behind cannot transmit disease. After removing the tick, wash the skin and hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of Lyme as your next line of defense. Even if you don’t remember a tick bite your child could still have Lyme disease. Typically, it is not the tick you find that causes an infection, it is the tick that attaches, feeds, and falls off before you’ve even noticed it.

Early signs of Lyme include the classic circular rash and generalized, flu-like symptoms. The rash can occur 3-30 days after a tick bite. Later signs include multiple circular rashes, joint pain and swelling, and rarely neurologic problems like a facial droop also known as Bell’s palsy.

If your child has symptoms of Lyme, see his pediatrician for an evaluation. Your child’s pediatrician will help make the diagnosis and treatment plan based on a combination of a detailed history, physical exam and blood work when needed. If your child has been treated for Lyme and still feels sick, something else could be causing their symptoms. Schedule an appointment with his pediatrician for a complete exam. Have a great summer, enjoy the outdoors but be on the lookout for ticks!

Read more about how to keep your child safe at: http://alliedphysiciansgroup.com/ticks-lyme-need-know-kids/

LongIslandParent 37

HEALTH DIRECTORY

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS 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, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Mike strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care.

He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, offers a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons are available in all treatment rooms), and sings to the patients!

Dr. Mike currently participates with most insurance companies!

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS Allied Physicians Group

3 Huntington Quadrangle, Melville 866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com The more than 120 physicians that comprise Allied Physicians Group are among the top pediatricians throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond.

When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care. Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and

support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most— you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com or call us at 866-621-2769.

Fidelis Care New York

888-FIDELIS (343-3547) fideliscare.org Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. With more than 1.6 million members statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.com lmoraphd@gmail.com Dr. Mora works with children and adults.

He specializes in psychological testing, which helps improve diagnosing and treatment planning. Such testing includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. This includes evaluating for ADHD and possible consequences of head injury. He has years of experience doing such testing with various populations. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and postdoctoral education in forensic psychology from St. John’s University. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Francis College.

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

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Pediatric Immediate Care

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SpecialParent

Choosing the Best School for Your Child with Special Needs ›› Get an expert’s answers to common questions about an important decision for parents of children with learning disabilities or other special needs. By Christina Vercelletto

W

hen you are the parent of a child with a learning disability or other special needs, it can seem like your important decisions never cease. Just when you think you’ve got your bearings, you must get used to another new idea, situation, challenge—and you have to handle all of this while managing your own emotions. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when your child is young is choosing a school. So we went to Mark Griffin, Ph.D., a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, with the most common questions parents like you have about this potentially challenging decision.

I had a handle on preschool life, but the idea of elementary school is overwhelming me. What’s the most important thing to keep in mind?

The key to choosing the right school is to be sure what your child’s strengths and needs are. Then, if a school can clearly and completely explain to you how they have been effective in providing good outcomes for a child such as yours, it may be a match. But remember: Development is, by definition, fluid. The 40

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

strengths and needs you identify now will almost certainly change over time. To that end, the flexibility of school personnel and their approach may be a key criteria.

What are the main differences in how public schools and private schools support kids with learning disabilities?

All public schools are mandated to search for and find any children who may have special needs. This is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing process of parent awareness activities, screening, and evaluation. This process is called Child Find and is part of IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act).

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, you should call the school district and ask for an assessment. Once identified, such children are referred for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) or Special Education and Related Services, depending on their age, at no expense to parents.

IDEA/Child Find doesn’t apply to traditional private schools.

Private schools, in general, do not have the resources to provide the public school array of services under IDEA. But many private

schools still support students with learning and attention issues.

From tutoring to speech and language assistance to counselors and in-house experts, some private schools have made such support part of their mission. Others have not, and admissions personnel at those schools are typically open about the school’s limitations.

When I’m visiting a potential school, what are key questions to ask?

• What percentage of your students currently receive support?

• What are the demographics of that population? (This will tell you what the range of needs are—how often they work with children who have similar needs to your child’s.)

• What specific programs do you have in place for children with learning and attention issues?

• How and when are the supports delivered, and by whom?

What level of training do those people have?

• What have the outcomes been for children with profiles similar to my child (such as graduation rate, college or trade school attendance, employment)?

What are warning signs that my child is not getting what he needs from a school?

These will, naturally, vary by individual child, but you can spot a few general red flags. Common ones: an uptick in headaches or stomach aches on school days; comments such as “I’m stupid”; switches in friends to a less academically focused group; complaints that his teacher “hates” him; sudden refusal to do homework or study for tests; withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

Things just aren’t working out as I’d hoped with the school we chose. What should I think about when weighing whether it’s worth it to transfer my child?

It is always best to try to make things work out where you are, particularly if your child likes the school and has friends. Many children who struggle in school didn’t always struggle. As schoolwork becomes more demanding, and formal and more difficult standards need to be met, children who previously did fine may have trouble keeping up. The first thing to do is meet with school personnel and get a clear sense of what they are seeing in your child. It is likely that they have seen other children who have struggled in similar ways and will have suggestions as to what to do.

If your child has not yet been formally assessed by an outside (unaffiliated with the school) professional, it may be brought up now. This is called an IEE, an Independent Educational Evaluation. Even if your child has already been identified as having learning disabilities, it may be useful to redo the testing to figure out what’s going on now. Meet with the school and discuss the results. You are now in a much better position to take stock of the school’s capability and desire to support your child.

Your child will probably receive additional support for a finite period of time before changing schools is seriously considered. If that additional support works, great! If your child continues to fall behind despite everyone’s efforts, though, it might be time to consider another school.

The good news is that when you look for a new school, this time you certainly have a solid picture of your child’s needs, as well as testing to back that up. You want to change schools as infrequently as possible, so the goal is to be as sure as you can that the new school will be a fit for the long haul.

Christina Vercelletto is a Long Island mom and a former NYMetroParents editor.

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LongIslandParent 41

SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY

ADVOCACY & SOCIAL 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. We represent parents and children with disabilities, acquire correct classification under IDEA, ensure proper implementation of IEP, ascertain correct placement for children, and tuition reimbursement. We attend CSE meetings, resolution meetings, and suspension hearings, and all disciplinary hearings for special needs and general education students. Bakshi Law’s attorneys are passionate about your child’s education and offer assistance on a sliding scale for parents experiencing financial difficulties.

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 School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you?

Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified impartial hearing officer who hears cases in New York City and Rockland, and Westchester counties.

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. Either sign up for a no-cost workshop and learn all the tools necessary to strategically find

42

fulfilling employment, or register for a nine-week class that will not only show you all the tools but immerse you in the process.

Topics will include determining areas of interest, entrepreneurship, funding for privately owned businesses, and discovering three employment themes and 60 possible places for employment.

in homes, nursery schools, and day care centers include speech, feeding, occupational, physical, and movement therapies; behavior management or Applied Behavior Analysis; counseling; and support groups.

CLASSES & FUN

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

Alternatives For Children

1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 S. Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Providing quality affordable day care and special education services since 1988. Creating a natural learning environment fostering each child’s development.

Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education evaluation site and provider. Preschool special education, integrated classes, day care classes taught by NYS special education early childhood teachers, and certified day care staff promoting a child’s development through individualized instruction that will support them for the rest of their lives. Special education services of physical, occupational, and speech therapy provided by licensed therapists.

Children leave Alternatives For Children ready to learn and ready for kindergarten.

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

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides yearround programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. Services provided on-site,

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

MEDICAL PROVIDERS & DENTISTS

131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads 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.

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, 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.

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 We know taking your child to the dentist can be a stressful experience. All of our staff members at Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County have extensive training and experience in treating children. We treat every child as if they are our own. From special needs to an everyday anxious child, our staff has experience to handle the most stressful moments. Our state-of-the-art offices are equipped with digital X-rays, video games, themed treatment rooms, flat screen televisions, and child-friendly staff to give your child a positive dental experience!

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., Brooklyln 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com 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, babies, 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.

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

131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads 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.

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

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CAMP DIRECTORY

DAY CAMPS Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori school runs a summer camp during July and August for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Camp has weekly themes that revolve around the projects and discussions the children have. Toddlers have play-based mornings spent in our playground. Primary (ages 3 years and older) spends part of the mornings doing academics then spends afternoons in the playground while toddlers nap. Camp is a great way to acclimate your child to a school environment.

Please contact us for information on enrollment at 516-466-8422 or info@cmsgn.com.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Kenwal Day Camp is situated on 20 magnificent acres, and has the finest facilities and equipment to ensure every camper hours of fun, exploration, and excitement. Our philosophy is based on a very simple yet profound statement made by one of our younger campers to his parent: “I didn’t win, but I did my best.”

This positive attitude is exactly what Camp Kenwal is all about!

Our aim is to provide an atmosphere filled with memories that your child—and you—will share and cherish forever.

Kids Country Day Camp

37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Kids Country Day Camp is a 10acre recreational children’s summer day camp filled with indoor and outdoor adventure, sports, activities, and special events. Children ages 3-12 take part in more than 50 fun and exciting activities.

Special events include a Talent Show, Carnival, Color Wars, and Glow Party. New for 2017: KIDVENTURES! It’s time to awaken

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the hero within! The Camp Program runs eight weeks with various combinations of weeks and days available. Rates include lunch, snack, refreshments, towel service, and two camp shirts.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp offers an exciting, action-packed, and safe summer experience for your child. We offer free transportation in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Our activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, laser tag, bowling, horseback riding, talent shows, and movies, plus trips to Splish Splash, Adventureland, Mets and Yankees games, the Long Island Children’s Museum, iMax theaters, Bronx Zoo, Fire Island, Bayville Adventure Park, and mini golf.

Our staff is CPR-, first aid-, and AED-certified. Lifeguards and nurse on staff and licensed. Call for early registration discounts.

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead 516-433-7970 x11 ccenassau.org gms8@cornell.edu cer237@cornell.edu Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead is a coed, recreational, eight-week sleepaway camp.

A three-day, two-night “mini camp” is also offered. Stay-over weekends are available! We are located on 140 acres of woodland, farmland, and beachfront on the Long Island Sound. The location includes a 10-acre working farm, swimming, kayaking, adventure course, nature-science education center, horseback riding, archery, arts, and sports. The atmosphere fosters independence, leadership development, and self-esteem.

We are a “cellphone-free” camp!

Accredited by the American Camp Association and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.

SPECIALTY CAMPS LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426) longislandaquarium.com Our Summer Adventure Days Camp program adds interactive excitement to summer vacation.

Children ages 2-14 explore the wonders of the marine environment through age-appropriate learning and activities. A tour boat adventure, close encounters with marine creatures, the chance to catch fish on a deserted island—just some of the fun for children ages 8 and younger. Older kids can collect and identify marine specimens on our tour boat, hike the Pine Barrens, climb a rock wall, go canoeing and kayaking, take a Shark Dive, Snorkel Adventure, and more!

Call 631-208-9200 x426 for more details.

Long Island Whole Child Academy Mentoring Scientific Minds Summer STEM Program 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org Looking for an exciting, flexible addition to your child’s summer adventure? Mentoring Scientific Minds3 offers three, two-week sessions guaranteed to engross the most curious minds. Build

submersible ROVs, “see” underwater; study rescued sunken treasures; and learn orienteering and survival skills outdoors at Environmental Boot Camp. Join our Flight Team to fly any airplane to any airport in the world with our own “Captain Joe,” and flight simulator. Build mini drones and robots, and learn electronics and engineering at our own Makers’ Space. Call now for information: 347-558-3676.

Tower Talent

535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville 516-765-2400 towertalent.com towertalentclasses@gmail.com Got talent? This summer, develop your child’s on-camera acting, modeling, or vocal performance technique with Tower Talent!

Meet with top NYC talent agencies and see if your child has what it takes to break into commercials, television, and modeling. Enjoy photo-shoots, filmmaking, acting for television, runway lessons, voice and stage presence development, comedy, and improve—all while preparing your child for the exciting opportunities the entertainment industry has to offer. Give us a call at 516-765-2400 for more info or check us out at towertalent.com.

TRAVEL CAMPS Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com The Kenwal “Extreme Teens” travel program allows campers in seventh to 11th grades, to enjoy a summer on the road with their peers. Additionally, “Extreme Teens” will enjoy the comforts of home during camp days and local day trips. Supervised by a mature staff, overseen by our highly experienced director, Lou Boccia (18 years of experience with top Long Island day camps). We believe camp should be a chance for children to be active, become more confident, gain resiliency, unplug from technology, develop lifelong skills, grow more independent, learn social skills, and make true friends.

Weekend appointments available

Many insurances accepted

PSYCHOLOGICAL

TESTING SERVICES ADHD Evaluations

Hablamos español

Giftedness Examinations

Louis E. Mora, PhD, Psychologist, PC 70 Glen Cove Rd., Ste. 201, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

By Appointment (347) 740-5690 www.lmoraphd.com

BAKSHI LAW

Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers

866-561-0492

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

Attorney willing to travel to client Sliding scale depending on income

Lara@bakshieducation.com • www.BakshiEducation.com Services all 5 boroughs in New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as Westchester and Rockland counties.

Oceanside

2463 S. Long Beach Rd.

Deer Park

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Glen Head

679 Glen Cove Ave.

www.FairyLiceMothers.com

May Be Covered Under Insurance * Covered under FLEX Health Spending We Accept Competitor’s Coupons—One coupon per visit

AUDITION With Top NYC Casting Agents

NOW ENROLLING For Fall 2017 Grades K-9

Is your child interested ested in

ACTING, MODELING or SINGING? is the place to get them started!

On Camera Scene Study TV Commercials Runway Fashion Print Improve & Comedy Voice Overs & Many More!

To apply for a FREE live on-camera audition Call 516-765-2400 or visit www.TowerTalent.com

LongIslandParent 45

Professional services

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

CHEFS & CATERING NEED A CHEF Serving all Long Island areas 631-578-0798 needachef.com; grillhampton@gmail.com Need A Chef can provide you with the right kind of chef for any kind of event! Packages include: personal menu, food, shopping, chef service, setup, and cleanup!

CLEANING & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPARKLE GRILL CLEANING OF LONG ISLAND Serving all Long Island areas 631-209-5688 sparklegrill.com; peter@sparklegrill.com Sparkle’s two-man crews will arrive complete with the tools of the trade to restore your barbecue grill’s appearance or with the parts to make it fire up again!

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!

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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.

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

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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 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 ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN 1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 South Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Licensed daycare, EI/Preschool Special Education evaluations provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

LOUIS E. MORA, PH.D., PSYCHOLOGIST P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690; lmoraphd.com Dr. Mora specializes in psychological testing. This includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders.

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.

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.

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

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

Holy Angels Regional School • Early Childhood Programs • Pre-K thru Eighth Grade • Extra-Curricular Activities

Celebrating Our 33rd Anniversary

Building BlocksBlocks an Early Early Intervention and Preschool Preschool Program dedicated to to Building Blocks isis an and Program dedicated to Building is anIntervention Early Intervention and Preschool Program dedicated Building Blocks is ancommitted Early Intervention and Preschool dedicated toall educational excellence and committed to meeting meeting the developmental developmental needsneeds of all of all educational excellence and committed to meeting theProgram developmental educational excellence and to the needs of educational excellence and committed to meeting the developmental needs of all youngchildren. children.

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Premiering 2 programs this Fall. Register Now! The Village Center at Port Jefferson: Mondays from 4:30 - 6:00pm 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/16, 10/23 and 10/30 Huntington Arts Council: Tuesdays from 3:30 - 5:00pm 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17

Visit our website for more information! www.thecultureconnectionli.com

LongIslandParent 47

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 ART BUZZ KIDS 35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 syosset@wineanddesign.com 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre wineanddesign.com Spark your child’s creativity and imagination! Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. @ 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

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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 upclose 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

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

631-208-9200 xH2O (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com 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.

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.

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.

SAFARI ADVENTURE 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 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.

THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice.

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!

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.

Allied Physicians Group, Jason B. Hitner, M.D. 925 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon 631-661-1200 drhitner.com

Dr. Jason Hitner’s practice specializes in the care of healthy newborns and treats newborns exclusively. He also offers free prenatal consultations. Dr. Hitner graduated from Cornell University and Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at New York Hospital and his residency at Emory University Children’s Hospital. He is a board-certified member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Hitner volunteered in medical missions abroad, and was an Olympic medical staff member for the 1996 games. Currently, Dr. Hitner is the medical director of Suffolk County Community College, and the medical director of Copiague School District.

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

Louis E. Mora, Ph.D., Psychologist P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.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

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

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads 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.

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.

Dr. Mora works with children and adults. He specializes in psychological testing, which helps improve diagnosing and treatment planning. Such testing includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. This includes evaluating for ADHD and possible consequences of head injury. He has years of experience doing such testing with various populations. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and postdoctoral education in forensic psychology from St. John’s University. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Francis College.

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.

LongIslandParent 49

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

EDUCATION

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

TJE Dance Force..........................................................21

Alternatives for Children Daycare.................................41

Gateway Playhouse......................................................15

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES @ Play Amusement......................................................23 BounceU - Farmingdale...............................................35 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center...................34 Not Just Art...................................................................19 Picasso Kidz.................................................................45

Bakshi Law...................................................................45 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool...................47 Diocese of RVC..............................................................2 Fire Island School.........................................................35 Hagedorn Little Village School.....................................17 Holy Angels Regional School.......................................47 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken.....................................39

Live Nation - NYCB Theatre at Westbury.....................19 Tower Talent - Melville..................................................45 PLAY SPACES @ Play Amusement......................................................23 BounceU - Farmingdale...............................................35

CAMPS

LIU Center for Gifted Youth..........................................23

Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp............................................39

Long Island Whole Child Academy...............................45

Kenwal Day Camp..........................................................9

Sappo School............................................................... 11

Diocese of RVC..............................................................2

LI Voyagers Day Camp.................................................19

St. Isidore Catholic Elementary School........................41

Holy Angels Regional School.......................................47

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center...................34

Strategic Staffing Works...............................................47

St. Isidore Catholic Elementary School........................41

Long Island Whole Child Academy...............................45

Village East Gifted........................................................35

Picasso Kidz.................................................................45 St. Patrick Youth Community........................................41 Tower Talent - Melville..................................................45 Village East Gifted........................................................35

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS

RELIGIOUS

St. Patrick Youth Community........................................41 SPECIAL EVENTS

@ Play Amusement......................................................23

Empire State Fair..........................................................52

Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures .....................43

Gateway Playhouse......................................................15

CHILD CARE / DAY CARE

BounceU - Farmingdale...............................................35

Alternatives for Children Daycare.................................41

Great South Bay Music Fest.........................................13

Empire State Fair..........................................................52

CLASSES

Gateway Playhouse......................................................15

SPECIAL NEEDS

LIU Center for Gifted Youth..........................................23

Great South Bay Music Fest.........................................13

Allied Physicians Group..........................................37, 49

Not Just Art...................................................................19

Live Nation - NYCB Theatre at Westbury.....................19

Picasso Kidz.................................................................45

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center...................34

Strategic Staffing Works...............................................47 The Culture Connection................................................47 TJE Dance Force..........................................................21 Tower Talent - Melville..................................................45 Village East Gifted........................................................35 DANCE TJE Dance Force..........................................................21

FAMILY TRAVEL Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures .....................43

Bakshi Law...................................................................45 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool...................47 C.I.I.T. Center.........................................................15, 49 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................43, 49

HEALTH

Law Offices of Brad H Rosken.....................................39

Allied Physicians Group..........................................37, 49

Long Island Whole Child Academy...............................45

C.I.I.T. Center.........................................................15, 49 Fairy LiceMothers.........................................................45 Fidelis Care New York....................................................5

Louis Mora, Ph.D....................................................45, 49 Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County........................3, 49

DEVELOPMENTAL

Louis Mora, Ph.D....................................................45, 49

Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................39, 49

Allied Physicians Group..........................................37, 49

Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County........................3, 49

Sappo School............................................................... 11

Alternatives for Children Daycare.................................41

Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................39, 49

Strategic Staffing Works...............................................47

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool...................47

Tobacco Action Coalition of LI........................................7

C.I.I.T. Center.........................................................15, 49 Hagedorn Little Village School.....................................17 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................43, 49

LEGAL SERVICES Bakshi Law...................................................................45

SPORTS St. Patrick Youth Community........................................41

Louis Mora, Ph.D....................................................45, 49

MUSIC

THEATER

Sappo School............................................................... 11

Not Just Art...................................................................19

Live Nation - NYCB Theatre at Westbury.....................19

50

July 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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