From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

This month, as we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the leaders who fought for civil rights and equality—many of whom also helped pave the way for disability rights. The fight for racial justice and disability inclusion are deeply connected, as both challenged segregation and systemic exclusion. Just as Brown v. Board of Education broke barriers for racial integration in schools, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975 ensured that children with disabilities had the right to a free and appropriate public education.

Yet, the fight for full inclusion continues. We must advocate for increased funding for 853 and 4410 schools, the protection of Medicaid, and fair wages for Direct Support Professionals—critical resources that ensure every child has access to the education, therapies, and support needed to learn, grow, and fully participate in their community.

Advocacy remains a key driver of meaningful change. By speaking up and taking action, we can help create policies that support our students, their families, and the dedicated professionals who make learning possible. To get involved, visit our Advocacy Center.

At BCCS, we see the power of education every day, and while the weather has been snowy and cold, our hearts have been warmed by watching the children engage in exciting learning experiences. Whether exploring the stars in a pop-up planetarium, tackling an obstacle course, or taking part in one of the many special activities in their classrooms, one thing is for sure: we make learning fun.

Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Learning Job-Ready Skills at the PAES Lab

During the third week of January, representatives from the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) were training staff members at the Children’s Education Center in the brand-new PAES Lab.

The PAES Lab offers opportunities to learn a wide range of skills in fields like business marketing, computer technology, consumer service, processing production, and the construction industry. Transition students, ages 14 to 21, will have the opportunity to work through levels as they increase their skills, utilizing tools, supplies, and equipment like computers, cooking appliances, food props, and cleaning devices.

Healthy, Happy, and Fun Times at the Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Children’s Residential Program boys and girls look forward to regular after-school activity

It’s always exciting as the young men and women supported by the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) gear up for an action-packed evening at Bounce! Family Entertainment Center, located in Syosset. 

From racing through obstacle courses and flying high on trampolines to dodging dodgeballs and making their own personal pizzas, this nearly weekly event, hosted by the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA), is always eagerly anticipated by the children and staff alike.

NSASA is a nonprofit organization that hosts recreational and social activities for children and adults with autism and their families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. For this event, they rent out the entire facility. This gives the young men and women plenty of space to navigate the equipment at their own pace, make memories, and even achieve personal bests.

Teens at BCCS Children’s Education Center Build Lifelong Skills on Weekly Shopping Trips

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Children’s Education Center students in the Transition Program head to Stop & Shop and BJ’s Wholesale Club for food shopping. They shop for various items ranging from sandwich ingredients and baked goods to laundry soap and lotion for role-playing exercises in the school’s model apartment.

Grocery shopping is part of the transitional curriculum taught to students 14 and over to prepare for independent living and adulthood. The items they purchase are mainly used to stock the school store and snack cart.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to work on so many skills at so many levels,” Transition Program Coordinator Patti Edwards said. 

#LifeatBCCS: Barbara C. Wilson Preschool
Special Education Teacher Heather Fisco

At BCCS, we are excited to share the many stories of the hardworking professionals who go above and beyond to provide quality education and supports for young people with developmental delays.

We kicked off the #LifeatBCCS series with Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Special Education Teacher Heather Fisco, who has been a part of our team since 2015.

Heather shared that what stands out to her about BCCS is its welcoming community of kind and accepting parents and staff who help foster a positive learning environment for students and staff.

"I love working with these children," Heather said. "I love working with this population; I wouldn't change it for the world."

Whether a seasoned special education professional or someone new to the field, Heather shared that staff members will always be accepted and respected. Because of the team's care and concern for one another, everyone can share their thoughts and ideas freely.

"I would say you're more than welcome to be a part of the wonderful community we've established," Heather shared.

Visit our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to hear more stories about #LifeatBCCS.

BCCS Children’s Education Center Students Learn About the Moon, Sun, and Stars

During the second week of January, students at the Children’s Education Center participated in an out-of-this-world experience when the Cradle of Aviation brought its portable, inflatable planetarium to campus.

This special visit was made possible by the funds raised by parents and supporters at the 2024 Reach for the Stars event.

The blow-up installation is part of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational program, which organizes presentations for children and adults at public events, libraries, and summer camps. 

BLANCHE FIERSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP

The Blanche Fierstein Memorial Scholarship seeks to award an exceptional candidate pursuing an advanced degree in the field of special education.

Applications for this $5,000 grant are due by April 1, 2025.

Learn More