Admissions Procedures
The Schermerhorn Program - Admissions
The intake process starts with a call to our Intake Social Worker or to the Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services. We will ask for the child’s current IEP and the latest evaluations. A tour will be scheduled if we feel that The New York Institute for Special Education may have an appropriate educational placement for the student.
We need to receive approval from the New York State Education Department to evaluate a child. Once we receive this approval, an intake is scheduled. Our multidisciplinary team will meet with the child and the parents to determine educational strengths and needs.
We will then review our evaluations and recommendations with the parents. If a child is recommended for placement in The Schermerhorn, a Committee on Special Education meeting is requested.
If the Committee on Special Education recommends placement at The New York Institute, we request final approval from The New York State Education Department. Bus transportation is arranged by the local school district when we receive final approval.
Please contact Ms. Margherita Manz, Principal, at 718-519-7000, extension 8355 for more information.
We need to receive approval from the New York State Education Department to evaluate a child. Once we receive this approval, an intake is scheduled. Our multidisciplinary team will meet with the child and the parents to determine educational strengths and needs.
We will then review our evaluations and recommendations with the parents. If a child is recommended for placement in The Schermerhorn, a Committee on Special Education meeting is requested.
If the Committee on Special Education recommends placement at The New York Institute, we request final approval from The New York State Education Department. Bus transportation is arranged by the local school district when we receive final approval.
Please contact Ms. Margherita Manz, Principal, at 718-519-7000, extension 8355 for more information.
The Readiness Program - Admissions
The Readiness Program provides special education services to children ages 3-5. Students who have been identified as a preschooler with a disability and have a recommendation for special education are placed in the program through their local Committee on Preschool Special Education.
The program offers varied classroom sizes and related therapy services to the students in the program. Once a child has been recommended for a program, parents are advised to visit schools that might be appropriate for their child. Parents should call The Readiness Program to ask for a tour of the program.
It is highly recommended that parents bring any paperwork, including the CPSE recommendations, with them at the time of this visit.
Camp Wanaqua - Admissions
Camp Wanaqua serves children ages seven through thirteen. Approximately twenty-five campers attend camp each summer. Children are referred to camp by parents, New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) counselors, and teachers of the visually impaired in New York City and lower Westchester.
As the only summer camp program in New York City for blind or visually impaired children, Camp Wanaqua provides children with field trips and activities that focus on the development of critical life skills. Applications are accepted each Spring. Click here to learn more.