Alternatives for Children in Aquebogue Expands to Include Physical and Occupational Therapy Gym and Speech Therapy Treatment Areas

Alternatives for Children Aquebogue expanded this January to include two spacious, accessible classrooms, a physical and occupational therapy gym, speech therapy treatment areas, and an expanded office space.

The expansion will allow them to serve more children and families who need their service, which is growing exponentially, according to Therese Blanton, the parent engagement coordinator at Alternatives for Children. 

“You can see by our expansion, and we are not the only agency around, but by our expansion how great the need is for special education,” says Blanton.

Alternatives for Children offers a full continuum of preschool special education options for children with special needs. Special or integrated classes taught by certified teachers and teaching assistants are available based on the needs of each child. At school, children are supported by experienced clinicians (physical, occupational, and speech therapists) as well as a full-time nurse. A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is available for behavior interventions and supports, as well as social workers for student counseling and parent training.

Though they are primarily a special education pre-school, all locations also operate a licensed child daycare center, which offers full and part time classes. This program will also be able to grow with the expansion.

Alternatives for Children serves 700 children and families each year from the North Fork of Long Island, as well as the surrounding Riverhead area. Along with their Aquebogue location, they operate in Dix Hills, East Setauket, and Southampton.

Image: At Alternatives for Children, students are supported by experienced clinicians (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) as well as a full-time nurse.

Courtesy Alternatives for Children