PRISM
Brookville Center Schools Strengthen Safety with 911inform System
In compliance with Alyssa’s Law, Brookville Center for Children’s Services’ (BCCS) school programs will enhance their existing security systems this summer. These improvements are designed to strengthen safety measures and reduce emergency response times.
Alyssa’s Law, passed in New York State in 2022, requires schools to consider enhancements to emergency communication systems to help first responders act quickly in a crisis. Brookville Center is proud to be taking these important steps to ensure a safer environment for students and staff.
“This is the first time we are implementing such a system,” said Joseph Milone, Director of Network Operations. “It’s not just a silent alarm—it does more than that. It will notify the police and give them access to our system to view the scene and direct first responders.”
While security incidents are extremely rare across BCCS, the system is an important enhancement, providing an added layer of security while also improving the ability to respond quickly to medical, behavioral, or environmental needs. These upgrades are especially important in ensuring the safety and well-being of children who may require additional support during emergencies.
The platform, called 911inform, will be integrated into the schools’ communication system, giving teachers and staff enhanced emergency alert capabilities. In the event of an emergency, staff members can enter a code that initiates a lockdown, helping to prevent unauthorized individuals from moving through the building. Law enforcement would simultaneously gain access to the system to quickly assess the situation, communicate with BCCS live, and direct first responders as needed.
The upgrades are expected to begin in August and will be completed by September, in time for the 2025/2026 school year. Funding for this project was made possible through an award from the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) Grant.
Mission:
To educate and support children of all abilities
Vision:
For every child, a lifetime of achievement
Board of Directors
Al Capra
President
Marie Mamone-Pinckney
Vice President
Lloyd Groveman
Treasurer
Joseph Inzerillo
Director
Nana Poku-Amanfo, R.N.
Director
Anne Prokop
Director
Executive Management
Stanfort J. Perry
Chief Executive Officer
Christopher J. O’Connor
Chief Operating Office
Barry Donowitz, PhD Chief Administrative Officer
Sylvester Naraine
Chief Financial Officer
Program Directors
Debra Doyle
Senior Director
Denise Gaughan, Director Children’s Education Center, Brookville
Diane M. Condy, Director
Barbara C. Wilson Preschool, Westbury
Paula DeVita, Director
Marcus Avenue Preschool, New Hyde Park
Sean K. Stallings, Director
Children’s Residential Program
Gaëlle Gilles, Strategic Communications Associate
Assistant Editor
A Message from the CEO and Board President
Dear Families and Friends,
At Brookville Center for Children’s Services, we are proud to stand behind a mission that puts children—and their educational journeys— at the center of everything we do.
Every decision we make as an organization is grounded in our core purpose: to support children as they learn, grow, and navigate the path forward. From early intervention through school-age programs and community-based services, we work to ensure that each child receives the individualized support they need to succeed—not only in the classroom, but in life.
Our vision—for every child, a lifetime of achievement—demands a long-term, strategic commitment to excellence. It means maintaining high standards across our schools and services, investing in staff development, and fostering an inclusive culture that values communication, collaboration, and respect.
As part of this shared commitment, we also recognize the critical role of advocacy. The future of high-quality special education and disability services depends on all of us—families, staff, and community members—raising our voices together. Whether it’s sharing your story, staying informed on policy changes, or supporting one another in public forums, your advocacy helps protect the services and supports that children need to learn, grow, and thrive.
We thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are building a collaborative community where children are seen, heard, and supported throughout their entire educational journey.
Stanfort J. Perry Chief Executive Officer
President, Board of Directors
Children’s Education Center Where Learning and Discovery Happen
Every Day
At the heart of the Brookville campus is the Children’s Education Center which provides preschool and schoolage special education for 233 students, aged 3 to 22. Students learn and grow across two schools set on a beautiful, 17-acre campus—a place where classroom lessons often extend outdoors. Children regularly explore the grounds on nature walks, plant fruits and vegetables in the school garden, and experience handson learning at nearby Wheatley Farms & Arts Center.
Students are referred to the Children’s Education Center from more than 50 school districts across Nassau and western Suffolk counties. Through a year-round educational program, they continue to build academic, social, and personal skills in a supportive environment.
As the weather warms, students look forward to outdoor adventures, planting projects, and time in the campus pool—all part of an educational experience that nurtures discovery and builds confidence.
Community activities also bring learning to life. This winter, students gathered under a portable planetarium, brought to campus by the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educational Program.
“It’s wonderful to see every student engaged, excited, and able to experience learning in ways that fit their needs,” said Director Denise Gaughan. “Opportunities both inside and outside the classroom make learning an exciting, accessible experience every day.”
Preparing Students for Life Beyond School
Preparing students for life after school is a key part of their education. Starting at age 14, they begin transition services designed to build independence, life skills, and confidence for what comes next.
The curriculum features a model apartment with a bedroom, kitchen, and living area where students learn to care for themselves and their space. For years, students have been building skills in this environment, taking on pre-vocational tasks both in and out of school, including weekly shopping trips, volunteering at businesses, and visiting parks and recreation centers.
This year, the Children’s Education Center added a Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) lab. The lab simulates different workplace settings so students can explore a variety of tasks, discover what they enjoy, and develop job-readiness skills in an innovative setting.
The Class of 2025 will be the first to complete a full lab rotation, identifying their talents and building skills in fields such as business marketing, computer technology, consumer services, production processing, and the construction industry.
Scan here to learn more about Transition Services, or you can visit: Brookvillecenter.org/specialeducation/transition-services/
Preschool at BCCS: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) offers a range of preschool options for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. We are proud to highlight our three specialized programs—Marcus Avenue, Barbara C. Wilson, and Post Avenue Preschools— each creating nurturing, learning-rich environments where young children develop socially, emotionally, and academically, preparing them for meaningful participation in school and beyond.
Marcus Avenue Preschool: A Welcoming Community for Every Young Learner
Marcus Avenue Preschool is our largest preschool serving 185 students this year. Known for its welcoming environment and strong community spirit, Marcus Avenue has built a lasting reputation as a place where young children and their families feel supported from the very first day.
Students benefit from two complementary curricula: The Creative Curriculum offers a play-based approach aligned with New York State Learning Standards, while the Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR) curriculum materials provide structured, evidence-based strategies to teach essential skills across developmental areas. Together, these approaches support growth in language, social interaction, and hands-on learning.
A highlight of the week is movement class led by Dance/ Movement Therapist Danielle Wood, MS, R-DMT. In movement class, students engage in activities ranging from dance parties to soap bubble play time that keep them excited and on their feet.
“We pride ourselves in fostering a warm environment for our students and teachers,” said Director Paula DeVita. “All the schools run the same curriculum and have a similar program, but our people make us special.”
Marcus Avenue leaves a lasting positive impression on parents—long after their time with the school.
“John’s love for learning started there,” said former Marus Avenue parent Mary Greco. “We are forever grateful for the amazing teachers and therapists for giving John his voice.”
Barbara C. Wilson Preschool: A Legacy of Learning, Support, and Community
For more than fifty years, Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool has remained committed to providing high-quality education to children aged three to five. From humble beginnings teaching eight students in the basement of a church in Roslyn, BCW has grown into a school that supports 150 students in the cozy hamlet of Woodbury, within the town of Oyster Bay. The staff remain focused on supporting students with communication and developmental delays, offering a range of services, including occupational, physical, speech, behavioral and psychological therapies, and music instruction.
“Dr. Wilson’s vision for the school was to offer an educational program that addressed the whole child and integrated information from all therapies in the classroom so that the child was receiving strategies for enhancing skills throughout the day and not just during a 30-minute session,” said Director Diane Condy.
BCW’s dedication to quality education extends to ensuring preschool is exactly what it’s meant to be—a hub for fun and discovery. Throughout the year, engaging activities, from ice cream truck visits to theater trips, bring excitement to students. During the holidays, large-scale crafts from friendly classroom competitions line the halls, reminding everyone that happiness and creativity are essential parts of learning.
Post Avenue Preschool: Sensory Adventures
Post Avenue Preschool is growing! Nestled in Westbury on a tree-filled campus, 25 students enjoy quality special education preschool services and benefit from daily outdoor activities. To make the most of these surroundings, teachers work together to create immersive, hands-on activities. They weave current events and seasonal themes across multiple areas of learning.
A favorite activity for Post students is their book walks. Teachers create interactive stations based on literary scenes and invite students to engage with them as they read. During a reading of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen, children splashed through a splash pad simulating a river and felt the unevenness of the “riverbed” under their feet.
“We’re mindful of having students engaged throughout the school day,” Senior Director Debra Doyle said. “Organizing outdoor activities—whether a parade or a book walk— keeps students immersed in the lesson while complementing the activities teachers are already using in the classroom.”
Children’s Residential Program: A Community of Support, Learning, and Growth
The Children’s Residential Program (CRP) creates a true community for children with autism who need support beyond what families can provide alone.
Children attend school at the Children’s Education Center in Brookville, with close coordination between school and CRP staff. This creates a 24-hour model of education and support that helps children build skills across every part of their day.
Across four homes—three in Lido Beach and one in Wantagh—25 children build independence, form connections, and grow at their own pace with 24/7 support from direct support professionals (DSPs), nurses, and behaviorists. Each child receives individualized care designed to help them work toward personal goals.
Everyday moments matter at the CRP. Staff and children share crafts at dinner, enjoy rides to school, and build routines that create a sense of comfort, trust, and pride— turning small moments into big steps forward.
Families, staff, and school teams each play an important role in helping children build skills, confidence, and independence. Working together—sharing experiences, learning from one another, and staying connected—creates a stronger foundation for every child’s success at home, in school, and in the community for life.
A major focus of the program is helping children stay active in the community while practicing skills in real-world settings. Through local events, recreation activities, and outings, children have opportunities to build friendships, explore their interests, and experience new environments, all while working toward greater independence.
Clinical and Therapeutic Services: Practical Support for Every Child
Our team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers work closely with students and families to help children strengthen skills that support learning, communication, and daily life.
Physical therapy helps children build the strength and coordination they need to move more comfortably and confidently. Families are encouraged to support these skills at home too—through proper footwear and by getting children outside to move and play.
“Children should be out underneath the open blue sky. That’s definitely something that’s important for them,” said Physical Therapist Lorraine O’Keefe, PT, DPT.
Occupational therapy supports children in managing everyday tasks—like holding a pencil, adjusting to adaptive tools, or transitioning between activities.
“Every child’s therapy will look different, based on what they require to thrive in their home, school, and social environments,” shared Clinical Coordinator Andrea Rettig, MS, OTR/L.
Our speech-language pathologists work with children to strengthen communication. Whether through speech, visual supports, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, they help children find ways to express themselves.
“Using an AAC device reduces communication barriers and provides students with more opportunities to use language for a variety of purposes—like requesting, commenting, asking questions, and sharing ideas,” noted Speech-Language Pathologist Jasmine Beacken, MA, CCC-SLP. “It’s also a powerful tool that families can support and encourage at home.”
Social work services are another important layer of support. School social workers offer parent workshops, one-on-one coaching, and virtual support groups where families can share ideas, strategies, and encouragement.
“The groups are parent-driven and focused on real, day-to-day needs,” said School Social Worker Elionora Silbersack, LCSW, PhD.
These essential services are designed to help children feel more connected, capable, and better able to engage with their world.
Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) Program
Supporting Success
The HCBS Program supports children from birth to 22 years of age with Early Intervention (EI), Preschool (CPSE), and School Age (CSE) offerings with the opportunity for physical, occupational, speech and language therapies, Special Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Behavior Intervention Services (BIS), and Parent Training.
“We are one of the largest providers of this service,” said Program Supervisor Steven Gidseg. “We support students across Long Island. Families are looking for these services and we have been gaining momentum to meet the demand.”
As one of the few organizations in the state supporting these services, BCCS is committed to helping children meet their individual goals. The home- and community-based aspect—providing services in a home, day care, nursery school, and community settings—is what sets the program apart and makes it an inclusive option for families. Providers are certified/licensed by New York State and have extensive experience working in special education.
Qualification for HCBS depends on the child’s age and needs and always requires a referral from a state or local agency.
Scan here to learn more about BCCS’ Home- & Community-Based Program, or visit Brookvillecenter.org/hc.
Brookville Center for Children’s Services, 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY 11545
NY
We’re Here to Support Your Child’s Success—In School and Beyond
Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) offers comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs for children with developmental disabilities and delays. With programs approved by the New York State Department of Education and Department of Health, our goal is to help families better understand their child’s strengths and support areas of need.
BCCS is part of a family of organizations that includes AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited. Together, these organizations provide a true continuum of support for children and adults with developmental disabilities across their lifetimes.
July 10, 2025
Summer Soirée to benefit the Children’s Education Center.
September 6, 2025
Children’s Residential Program’s Sweet 16 Celebration.