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About Us

Alternatives For Children

About Us

Since 1988, Alternatives For Children has provided high-quality educational and therapeutic programs for children across Long Island, supporting infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with diverse learning and developmental needs. Our Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, and related services help children build strong foundations for learning and growth.

We are approved and licensed by the New York State Departments of Education and Health, the Office of Children and Family Services, and the Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Health. We meet or exceed all state-mandated student-to-staff ratios and integrate educational and therapeutic services to support IFSP and IEP goals.

Our Child Day Care, Universal Pre-K, and Special Education Preschool programs create natural learning environments that foster independence, confidence, and curiosity, preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. Early Intervention services provide infants and toddlers with their first educational experiences while supporting families.

 

  • One young boy playing piano
  • Two little girls making silly faces
  • Little boy with glasses sitting with building blocks

Our Purpose and Principles

Alternatives For Children is committed to providing the highest quality special and regular education programs and services to children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

We accomplish this mission by: Two young girls smile at the camera while sitting on the floor in a classroom.

Individualized Support: Providing quality programs and services designed specifically for children with special needs 

Measurable Progress: Ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes

Advocacy: Advocating for the rights of children and families

Expanding Opportunities: Securing resources necessary for provision of programs and services 

 

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Our philosophy centers on meeting individual needs through compassionate care, innovative education, and family partnership, building a strong foundation for lifelong growth.

Our vision is to create a world where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and live a life of dignity, confidence, and possibility.

  • Accountability – We provide programming that is results driven and outcome oriented.
  • Compassion – We deliver programs and services in a kind and caring manner.
  • Collaboration – We utilize an integrated team approach based on shared goals and mutual respect
  • Dedication – We maintain relentless optimism and perseverance to support those we serve at a critical time in their development.
  • Integrity – We implement our mission with the greatest responsibility, accountability and highest ethical standards.
  • Innovation – We embrace continued quality improvement, creativity and change.
  • Alternatives For Children is committed to providing the highest quality special and regular education programs and services to children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

    We accomplish this mission by: Two young girls smile at the camera while sitting on the floor in a classroom.

    Individualized Support: Providing quality programs and services designed specifically for children with special needs 

    Measurable Progress: Ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes

    Advocacy: Advocating for the rights of children and families

    Expanding Opportunities: Securing resources necessary for provision of programs and services 

     

  • We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

    Our philosophy centers on meeting individual needs through compassionate care, innovative education, and family partnership, building a strong foundation for lifelong growth.

    Our vision is to create a world where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and live a life of dignity, confidence, and possibility.

    • Accountability – We provide programming that is results driven and outcome oriented.
    • Compassion – We deliver programs and services in a kind and caring manner.
    • Collaboration – We utilize an integrated team approach based on shared goals and mutual respect
    • Dedication – We maintain relentless optimism and perseverance to support those we serve at a critical time in their development.
    • Integrity – We implement our mission with the greatest responsibility, accountability and highest ethical standards.
    • Innovation – We embrace continued quality improvement, creativity and change.

Our Team

Children smile while painting at a table in a classroom.

Our team includes:

  • Dual Certified Teachers- NYS-certified special education and early childhood teachers, supported by certified teaching assistants.
  • Licensed therapists specializing in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Vision Services, Music Therapy, and Art Therapy.
  • Licensed psychologists and social workers for counseling and family support.
  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who oversee targeted interventions and supervise behavior support staff. 

 

Explore our full range of programs and services

Therapies and Services

 

Our Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum

At Alternatives For Children, we offer environmentally structured classes using the Creative Curriculum, a research-based approach aligned with the New York State Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards. This aims to nurture children’s social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development while building strong foundations in literacy, math, social studies, the arts, and technology.

 

Social Emotional Learning

At Alternatives For Children, we use Second Step® Early Learning to help preschool agd children build essential social-emotional skills. Through short, engaging daily activities, students learn how to listen, focus attention, manage emotions, and get along with others. Using fun tools like puppets, photo cards, songs, and family activities, the program promotes empathy, problem-solving, and self-regulation, all critical for a smooth transition to kindergarten.  

We are also committed to the Developmentally Appropriate Practices outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which guide our philosophy and daily interactions:

  • Creating a caring community of learners
  • Teaching to enhance development and learning
  • Planning curriculum to achieve important goals
  • Assessing children’s development and learning
  • Establishing reciprocal relationships with families

Two children embrace, smiling brightly outdoors.

A woman and a young child are focused on playing with colorful clay at a table.

Inspire the Next Generation

Join our dedicated team of educators and support staff and make a lasting difference in the lives of students.
 

Join Our Team