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MELANNE VERVEER
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY
THE WHITE HOUSE
(202) 456-6266
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1998
Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
44 Meadows Way
East Hampton, NY 11937
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you for your kind
letter inviting her to narrate your theatrical version of Where
the Wild Things Are for the benefit of the Child Development
Center of the Hamptons on August 2. Mrs. Clinton is a big fan
of Maurice Sendak and his creative work. She was privileged
to do an event with him last year in Washington to promote
reading to very young children to stimulate early learning and
development.
Regrettably, the First Lady's schedule will not permit
her to join you. However, she wishes the Center a very
successful event.
Best wishes to you in your important work.
Sincerely,
Menn Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
cc: Vernon Jordan
VERNON E. JORDAN, JR.
July 9, 1998
Dear Melanne:
The attached is self-explanatory and I doubt that it is something
the First Lady either wants or needs to do. In any event, would you be
kind enough to quickly dispatch a letter to Ms. Zimmerman with a copy
to me. Sorry to bother you with this, but I am being pushed by a couple
of my partners.
Warm personal regards.
Va
Sincerely,
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Assistant to the President &
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
2nd Floor, West Wing
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 13, 1998
Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
44 Meadows Way
East Hampton, NY 11937
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you for your kind
letter inviting her to narrate your theatrical version of Where
the Wild Things Are for the benefit of the Child Development
Center of the Hamptons on August 2. Mrs. Clinton is a big fan
of Maurice Sendak and his creative work. She was privileged
to do an event with him last year in Washington to promote
reading to very young children to stimulate early learning and
development.
Regrettably, the First Lady's schedule will not permit
her to join you. However, she wishes the Center a very
successful event.
Best wishes to you in your important work.
Sincerely,
Me
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
cc: Vernon Jordan
06/10/1998 01:56 2125829455
CDA/WEISS CREATIVE
PAGE 02
WILDTHING
A Benefit for the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
A School for Children with Disabilities
Sen. Joseph Bruno
June 10, 1998
Benefit Chair
Chris & Jeannie Lawford
Performance Chairs
Mrs. Hillary Clinton
Kris Liam
Auction Chair
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Benefit Committee
Sam Alfstad
Betsy Cameron
Kimberly Goff
RE: Narrating Maurice Sendak's WHERE THE WILD TIIINGS ARE
Elaine Grove
Naomi Lazard
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
Jen LeRoy
Kate Mailer
Helene Miller
On Sunday, August 2, 1998, the Child Development Center of the Hamptons (CDCH) will hold
Marsha Norman
Aidan Quinn
a major fund raising event - Wild Thing - at the estate of Kay LeRoy in Amagansett.
Maria Pessino Rothwell
Mary Spitzer
Maurice Sendak has generously granted us permission to adapt his classic children's book.
Philip Spitzer
Katherine Wallach
Where the Wild Things Are, into a play featuring challenged children from our school. non-
Tony Walton
challenged children from the community, as well as several celebrity cameos. This
Patty Watt
performance will be the centerpiece of the event.
Committee in formation. List
complete as of 5/18/98.
I understand that you will be in the Hamptons on August 2nd, is there any chance you
might be willing to introduce or narrate the performance?
CDCH is a not-for-profit school serving children of the East End who are challenged with
disabilities such as Down's syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. The program has been
celebrated for its arts-based curriculum, and programs that integrate special needs children with
non-challenged children. It also fills a gap that was created last June when budget cuts forced
the closing of the local BOCES pre-school program. Our school operates 12 months a year. so
we invite you to stop by while you're in town.
Funds generated by this event will help ensure that we will be able to continue providing vital
services to our special needs students for another year.
Enclosed please find an event overview. Although we don't wish to rush a decision, it would
be greatly appreciated if you could give us a response by June 25th.
Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. I may be reached at (516) 267-0133.
Many thanks for your consideration.
Best regards,
Down Zimmerman
Founder & Executive Director
06/10/1998 01:56
2125829455
CDA/WEISS CREATIVE
PAGE 03
WILDTHING
A Benefit for the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
A School for Children with Disabilities
DATE:
Sunday, August 2, 1998
PLACE:
The LeRoy Estate, Amagansett, NY
3:30-5:00:
Beast Feast
hors d'oeuves courtesy of basilico
BBQ courtesy of Peconic Coast
Children's Activities
Stile Ballet, Musicians, Mural Drawing, Etc.
Drumming Exhibition by The Ross School Boys
Petting Zoo courtesy of The Art Farm
5:00-5:45:
performance of
Maurice Sendak's
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
starring
Students of the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
& Children from the Hamptons' Community
with special celebrity appearances by [5 NAMES TO COME]
Script Adaptation
Music & Lyrics
Musical Arrangements
BridgeteRoy
Randy Freed
Dean Cama
Choreography
Sets
Mary Ponsini
John Hallstein & Joe DeTullio
Directed By
Jacqui Leader
5:45:
Auction of one-of-a-kind Wild Thing Masks
6:00:
Wild Rumpus
dessert ฿ coffee courtesy of Art of Eating
dancing to the sounds of [NAME OF BAND TO COME]
Permission to use Where the Wild Things Are has been generously granted
by Maurice Sendak.
Promotional support of this event has been provided by Lifetime Television.
06/10/1998 01:56
2125829455
CDA/WEISS CREATIVE
PAGE 04
Child Development Center
of the Hamptons
44 Meadow Way, East Hampron, New York 11937
(516) 324-3229 (516) 267-0133
As the mother of an autistic son, I know how it feels to have your child shipped out of your town
every day and find that your neighbors. shop keepers, firemen, police officers and all the people who
make up a community not even know who your child is. He can grow up isolated from the
community and from his peers My son Jon is the driving force in my life and being his parent has
made me want to help other families who have children with special needs.
Until the Child Development Center of the Hamptons opened on September 3, 1997. preschool
children with disabilities on the East End of Long Island had very few options but to be bussed out of
their home communities and commute up to, and sometimes more than, three hours a day, especially
in the summer months.
As CDCH moved forward with long term plans to create a school for special needs children from
birth to 21 years of age, we found ourselves faced with the crisis of the termination of the BOCES
preschool program in West Hampton. It became necessary to address the immediate need; open
sooner and start with a preschool program.
With the support of private donations, we were able to lease 4 classrooms from Most Holy Trinity
Center in East Hampton. We are a non-profit special education preschool open to the public and
approved by the New York State Education Department. We began with a half day program and in
February 1998, were approved for a full day program (no small achievement!).
We opened with 14 students and by the Spring of 1998, the number of children receiving services
had increased to 58. By placing a strong emphasis on teaching through the creative
arts, we provide these children with the tools to learn, the courage to achieve and
the confidence to reach their potential.
We have clearly established how great the need for this program is in this area. We write to you
in the hopes that you will support CDCH. The town of East Hampton has generously
donated 8 acres of land for the future site of the Child Development Center of the Hamptons we
currently face many daily challenges in insuring that we remain here for the kids who have come to
depend on us.
It is my dream to continue to give these special children the dignity they deserve and instill in them the
knowledge that they too, are cherished members of our community. I hope you will join me in
realizing this dream.
Dawn Zimmerman
Founder and Executive Director
06/10/1998 01:56
2125829455
CDA/WEISS CREATIVE
PAGE 05
WILDTHING
A Benefit for the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
A School for Children with Disabilities
HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT WILD THING
UNDERWRITER:
$10,000 Contribution
Acknowledgment on Invitations and in Printed Program.
10 tickets to the event. Reserved table.
SPONSOR:
$5,000 Contribution
Acknowledgment on Invitations and in Printed Program.
4 tickets to the event. Reserved seats.
SUPPORTER:
$1,000 Contribution
Acknowledgment on Invitations and in Printed Program.
FRIEND:
$500 Contribution
Acknowledgment on Invitations and in Printed Program.
TICKETS
PATRON:
$500 per adult
ADULT:
$150 per adult
CHILD:
$ 35 per child
DESSERT &
$65 per adult
PERFORMANCE
$25 per child
ONLY:
IN-KIND SUPPORT:
All in-kind support will be acknowledged on Invitations and
in the Printed Program. Items needed include:
Invitation and/or Program printing
Liquor/Wine
Gift Bag Items
Sound System/Lighting System
Fabric (for costumes)
Lumber/Hardware (for sets)
For more information on this event, or to make a pledge of support, please contact:
Michaela Kennedy
Michael Weiss
Event Coordinator
Event Coordinator
(212) 426-3886 or (516) 329-3839
(212) 582-6690
06/10/1998 01:56
2125829455
CDA/WEISS CREATIVE
PAGE 06
THE
EAST HAMPTON
INDEPENDENT
CDCH Overview
June 10. 1998
BY KITTY MBERILL
man affered an afternoon enrichment
Beach!." The director supplied the
program on a hugon bagis.
board with letters from local school die..
Dewn Zimmerson. director or the
Child Development Center of the
in February 1997. the center WILLS
tricts in support of the program. They
Hamptone in Amagansett, have the
swarded full-day approval. Upon receive
don't want to sec our idde loaving the
Log better funding from the state we
area." Zimmerman emphasized. point-
Town Board an overver of the center's
knew we'd be successful." the director
ing out that each district must pay
program during yestorday's brown
made clear. adding. Tt was time to move
820,000 per child for transportation
bag work suppliers. Zummerman was
aload with the local vision of the
alone.
before the board isselting to Issue lour
school." That vision moludes the new
Attorney George Biendo аосошра-
lets in the Town industrial Park in
Watnecott for . new medicy. A pladge of
facility - woll u expending services to
med Zimmerman to the brown bag. in
$500,000 from Revion congrate Ron.
students beyond the preschool years.
support of the executing a lease
Dr. Steve Sictian. clinical director for
agreement with CDCM, he character-
Persiman of Sagagenack. ohe revented.
CDCH, detailed that since its inception
tead the facility as "a wonderful thing
will cruate e solse point for
the center has grown to employ e staff
that's desperately needed." Urgins the
the fundraising dont hopes
of 22 providing services for 58 students.
board members to visit the center, he
will underwite the 05 million project.
Twenty-flve children attand pre-K at
described the experience of meeting the
"Since the submer of 1996, we've
accomplished a loc." Commertion be-
Most Moly Trinity while 28 special-
children there LA having a "direct. im-
needs children receive services outside
mediate, visceral impact." Praising
gan. At that time DOCES chose to can-
the school. Seven of the students at the
Zimmerman's efforts so far. the actor-
cal its preschosi program for disabled
current center are in "regular" educa.
ney added that be students have abor.
children. The director opened B mai
Non. Dr. Sicillar told the board that
mous problems and yet they thrre."
school housed in the Most Holy Tringy
school building to take care of the im-
-tule the typical rate for students en-
Councilmen Peter Hammarie -
mediate need." $be "fought hard for
tering regular kindergerten after a
sured that while there has been "an
BOCES-Type program is 20 percent.
amount of pressure" concerning lots in
approval" from the State Department
CDCHs rate 1 double that We're very
the Industrial Park. Those local are off
of Education 'and was - the right
proud of that." Additionally. of the cur.
the table for consideration for адуbофу
to operate a half-day programs. Because
of the importance of disabled children
- non-professional staff. a number
else." He wondered if there was a
"phase-in. fall-back" plan for the am-
receiving a full-day program. Zimener-
of the employees have chosen to enter,
bittous undertaking. Zimmerman re-
college programs to enhance their
sponded. We're goong for the whole be
abile.
and imboodle." enumerating plans for
- summer camp. & requirch center. and
Wanderbi Thing"
& possible venue for the Special Olym-
Zummerman told the board that she
pies.
wants to expand the services offered to
One fundraising effort planned to-
include special-needa children from age
ward that and 18 scheduled for this
live to 21 because we have children
summer. The center the procured Der-
ageng out of preschool who have to 80
mission to mount a performance of
on the bus to BOCES In Westhampton
Maurice Sendak's Where the wild
Things Are on August 2.
Child Development Center
of the Hamptons
MELANNE VERVEER
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
Dawn Zimmerman
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE FIRST LADY
Executive Director
136 Main Street, P.O. Box 7115, Amagansett NY 11930
(516) 267-0133 Fax: (516) 267-0131
THE WHITE HOUSE
(202) 456-6266
Child Development Center
Mrs. Helen Suzman
D.B.E. (HON)
of the Hamptons
52 2nd Avenue
Illovo
Dawn Zimmerman
2196 Sandton
Executive Director
Tel & Fax:
South Africa
(01 1) 788-2833
136 Main Street, P.O. Box 7115, Amagansett NY 11930
(516) 267-0133 Fax: (516) 267-0131
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Clinton Library Transfer Form
Case #, if applicable
Accession #
Collection/Record Group
Clinton Presidential Records
Series/Staff Name
Verveer, Melanne
Subgroup/Office of Origin
First Lady's Office
Subseries
Folder Title
Melanne Verveer's Mail - 1998 - Z
OA Number
04385
Box Number
3
Description
3 black and white personal photos with HRC in them
58861
of Item(s)
Donor Information
Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Name:
Title:
Affiliation:
Phone (Wk):
Phone (Hm):
Street:
City:
State (or Country):
Zip:
Transferred to:
Audio/Visual Department
Other (Specify):
Transferred by:
Cary Moriarty
Transfer Point
Date of Tranfer
2/14/2014
Child Development Center
of the Hamptons
136 Main Street, P.O. Box 7115, Amagansett NY 11930
(516) 267-0133
Fax: (516) 267-0131
Children on the East End of Long Island who are challenged by handicaps
such as Down's Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and emotional problems
have been traveling up to three hours daily for services. The Child Development
Center of the Hamptons now offers these special children a program in their
home community. The school opened on September 3, 1997 in four leased
classrooms at the Most Holy Trinity Center in East Hampton.
The Child Development Center of the Hamptons is a private, non-profit school
open to the public and approved by the New York State Department of
Education. We began with a half day program but just last week were approved
for a full day program-no small achievement!
We opened with 14 students and quickly grew to 28, with 10 more students
referred for the fall. By placing a strong emphasis on teaching through
the creative arts, we provide these children with the tools to learn,
the courage to achieve and the confidence to reach their potential.
We have clearly established how great the need for this program is in this area.
We write to you in the hopes that you will support CDCH. The town of
East Hampton has generously donated 8 acres of land for the future site of the
Child Development Center of the Hamptons. This will allow the program to
expand to provide children ages 3-21 with the services and education that they
need. We currently face many daily challenges in insuring that we remain here
for the kids who have come to depend on us.
It is my dream to continue to give these special children the dignity they deserve
and instill in them the knowledge that they too, are cherished members of our
community. I hope that you will join me in realizing this dream.
Thank you.
Sincerely, ROS
Dawn Zimmerman
Executive Director
For immediate release
Contact: Dawn Zimmerman @
(516) 267-0133 or
fax# (516)267-0131
FOLIO AWARDS HONOR 'THE LITTLE SCHOOL THAT COULD'
On Friday, May 1st, CBS won a FOLIO AWARD for Excellence in Broadcast
Journalism for their story on the Child Development Center of the
Hamptons, a new school for special needs and disabled children on the East
End of Long Island. The FOLIO'S Keynote speaker, Peter Jennings praised
the school's Executive Director, Dawn Zimmerman for her dedication to such
an important issue.
While Ron Perelman has pledged $500,000 towards the school's building
fund,CDCH currently operates from a church building in East Hampton, with 29
students -- twice the number of students the school opened with this past
September. Also last week, Kay LeRoy offered her Amagansett estate for the
Child Development Center's summer event, a benefit performance on Saturday,
August 1st of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are followed by
a Beast Feast to be catered by Art of Eating. So far, this is the little school
that can.
For more information about the Child Development Center of the Hampton,
contact Dawn Zimmerman at (516)267-0133. For more information about the
CDCH benefit performance of Where the Wild Things Are, contact
Michaela Kennedy at (212)426-3886 or (516)329-3839.
D
Child Development Center
of the Hamptons
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
OF THE HAMPTONS
A Special Education School
136 Main Street
P.O. Box 7115
Amagansett, NY 11930
(516) 267-0133
(516) 267-0131 Fax
Board of Directors
Administrative Board Members
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Florence Kelson, Ph.D., Educational Director
Stephen Sicilian, Ph.D., Clinical Director
Additional Board Members
George Aman, Ph.D., Superintendent, Amagansett Schools
George Biondo, Esq., Legal Advisor
Thomas Connors, Financial Advisor
Gail Schonfeld, M.D., Pediatrician
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
RESPONDS TO A COMMUNITY NEED
Children on the East End of Long Island who are challenged by handicaps
such as Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and emotional problems must
travel up to three hours daily to Westhampton Beach to attend school.
These children, ranging from three to twenty-one years of age, are sent
out of their home communities every day, twelve months a year. Families have
found this situation extremely difficult to accept. However, until now it has been
their only option.
Over the past year, a highly motivated group of parents and professionals
has worked together to address this need and create the Child Development
Center of the Hamptons - a private, non-profit, special education school open
to the general public.
VISION / MISSION
The Child Development Center of the Hamptons ("C.D.C.H.") is a private,
non-profit educational setting licensed by the State of New York to provide
developmental services to the children of the east end of Long Island. Our vision
is to develop models of service provision which will offer a variety of services in
multiple settings to children from birth to 21 years of age. These services will be
easily accessible in a centrally located facility as well as community-based day
care facilities and family homes. Children with and without disabilities will be
served together whenever clinically appropriate, in a manner which encourages
awareness, acceptance, and empathy in all involved. Community interest will be
created at every step integrating students with the community residents and
community residents with the students. Younger children will participate in
community activities, meet local craftsmen and shopowners. Older children will
participate in work-study programs at local businesses. The community will be
invited to attend activities at the center and join in its growth. The C.D.C.H. will
serve as a research and teaching institution with affiliations to local university and
medical facilities allowing for new creative intervention methods through grant-
funded projects and training of future professionals.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
PROGRAM FEATURES
The Child Development Center of the Hamptons is an innovative
educational program designed to meet the needs of families and children in our
community. Key features of the Center include:
Types of services: A curriculum is designed for each child in:
education
special education
speech/language therapy
occupational therapy
physical therapy
psychological services
social work services
Specialized evaluation/early intervention: The Center will not only
provide services to school age children, but will also provide early
intervention, evaluation and treatment services. Infants and toddlers will
have the opportunity to work with appropriately trained personnel at home
or in daycare settings. Conducting evaluations in a familiar environment
encourages positive outcomes in child development.
Externships: Local high school and college students will participate in
Center activities through externship placements.
Integration of students: Public school participation will bring together
children of different needs and abilities to enjoy the experience of working
and playing side by side.
Parent involvement: The Center will hold open forum meetings in which
staff and parents will share ideas, experiences and future goals for these
exceptional children.
Additional services: The Center will also be:
available for evaluations to surrounding school districts
open for afterschool services including occupational and speech
therapy, etc.
conducting parent training programs
providing a summer camp for all children
Through these specially-designed programs, the Child Development
Center of the Hamptons will give children the tools to learn and the confidence to
achieve their potential.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE
Chartered by the Board of Regents of the New York State
Department of Education
Granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service
Approved by the New York State Department of Health to provide
services to children
Enthusiastically supported by all fifteen local school districts
Endorsed by U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, U.S. Senator
Alfonse D'Amato, Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, State
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, Congressman Michael Forbes,
Assemblyman Fred Thiele, the East Hampton Disabilities Board, the
East Hampton Business Alliance, parents, physicians and other local
organizations
Approved by the East Hampton Town Board to receive a long-term, low
cost cost lease on eight acres of centrally located town owned land on
which to build our school. This generosity reflects the town's recognition
of the desperate need for services to children with special needs
Leased an interim site at the school of the Most Holy Trinity Center in the
Village of East Hampton to start an infant/toddler and preschool program
Opened school in September of 1997 with fourteen students which has
now grown to twenty seven students
Implemented a full range of creative arts therapies for our enrichment
program
Received the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting's 1998 FOLIO
Award in the education category for CBS's story on the Child
Development Center of the Hamptons, October 1997
Mr. Ron Perelman has pledged $500,00 toward the building fund
THE NEXT STEP: LOOKING FORWARD
We are now fully approved by the state and county offices of special education
and moving forward with our plans expand the program by building a new
school SO that children ages 5-21 can be educated and receive services in our
own community
At this time, the Child Development Center of the Hamptons is seeking the
funds needed to realize these projects. We must continue to support the
ongoing financial needs of operating the school and financing the construction
of our facility.
EAST HAMPTON TOW.V. N.T.
TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
E
I
MONTAIL
159 Pantigo Road
East I lampton. New York 11937
BUT
HAMPTON.
Tel: 324-41-
CATHERINE LESTER
August 23, 1996
SUPERVISOR
Fax: 324-278
Dawn K. Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett, N. Y. 11930
Re: Letter of Intent
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
Thank you for your presentation to the East Hampton Town Board
on July 23, 1996 regarding the mission and the proposed activities
of the Child Development Center of the Hamptons (the "Center").
Your desire to provide special education services at a facility
within the Town of East Hampton was very favorably received.
The Town Board members recognize the critical need for a pre-
school special education program to be located on Eastern Long
Island. Usage of the current option, the BOCES program in
Westhampton, New York, results in our children who are 3, 4 and 5
years old traveling a minimum of one hour on a bus (one way) to
attend appropriate educational programs. This amount of travel can
be a burden on anyone, but particularly on such young children with
special needs and the parents who watch on a daily basis as their
children are whisked away from their home town.
The Town Board is also very pleased to learn that the Center
anticipates, in the long term, serving the needs of our area's
special children up to the age of 21. As you explained, the first
phase would consist of providing services to children ranging from
infancy through the 6th grade. The second phase would provide
services to the older children. Providing these special services on
an open, nondiscriminatory basis will be of tremendous help to the
families of these children.
Also, a big advantage to having these services provided within
the Town of East Hampton is that parents and local school officials
will have an increased opportunity to be involved in the planned
activities of these children. It is much easier to stop by a
classroom which is located 10 minutes from home or work than to
stop by a classroom which is located an hour away.
At our meeting, you expressed an interest in building a
facility to house the Center on a parcel at the Town's Industrial
Park. As you may know, approximately five years ago, the Town
entered into a long-term lease of property at the Town Industrial
Page 2
August 23, 1996
Park with the nonprofit corporation A Program Planned for Life
Enrichment ("APPLE"). APPLE provides long-term live-in substance
abuse counselling services. The Town is very pleased to have been
able to provide a low cost, long-term lease to APPLE and thereby
help the citizens of our Town.
Similarly, the Town Board members are very interested in
having the Center build a facility at the Town Industrial Park and
provide vital services to children in our Town. While the proper
time to negotiate the details of a lease of Industrial Park
property would be when you have raised the necessary funds for the
construction of the facility, the Town Board anticipates that a
long term, low cost lease similar to APPLE'S could be offered by
the Town to the Center.
The Town Board wholeheartedly endorses your endeavor and
encourages you to use this letter expressing the Town's interest
and support for siting the facility at the Town Industrial Park
when you are seeking funds for your project. Also enclosed for your
use and information is Resolution # 856 , adopted by the Town
Board on August 23, 1996.
On behalf of the Town Board, I wish you well in your endeavors
to raise construction funds and bring much needed educational
services to the Town of East Hampton.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
Catherine H. destr
Catherine H. Lester
Supervisor
CC: Town Board
Town Attorney
Town Budget Officer
Town Coordinator of Human Services
Town Director of Youth Services
CHL/bc
Resolution # 856
August 23, 1996
The following resolution was introduced by Supervisor
Catherine Lester, seconded by Councilman P. Hammerle and adopted:
WHEREAS, the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
(the "Center") is a non-profit educational corporation licensed by
the State of New York and open to the public to provide
developmental services to children with disabilities residing on
the East End of Long Island; and
WHEREAS, the services provided by the Center include
education, special education, speech-language, occupational/
physical therapy and psychology/social work; and
WHEREAS, a preschool special education program based at
a facility within the Town of East Hampton would greatly assist the
Town's three to five year old children who currently travel a
minimum of one hour on a bus (one way) to attend appropriate
programs at the BOCES facility in Westhampton; and
WHEREAS, the Center also wishes in the future to provide
educational services for older children up to 21 years of age,
which would be a great benefit to Town residents; and
WHEREAS, the Center is currently raising funds to
construct a facility within the Town of East Hampton which could
provide services to preschool age children and older children; and
WHEREAS, the Center has approached the Town Board about
siting the facility on property at the Town Industrial Park: and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to indicate its support
for the Center and its programs and its interest in leasing
property at the Town Industrial Park to the Center if and when the
Center raises the funds necessary for the construction of the new
facility; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign
a letter of support addressed to the Center which addresses the
issues set forth above; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is directed to send a copy
of this resolution to the Town Attorney, the Town Budget Officer,
the Town Coordinator of Human Services, and to Dawn Zimmerman,
Child Development Center of the Hamptons, Box 1666, Amagansett, New
York 11930.
The Minersity Education of the State Department of New York
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
PROVISIONAL CHARTER
This Instrument Witnesseth That the Board of Regents for and on behalf of the
Education Department of the State of New York at their meeting of June 14, 1996.
Voted, that
1.
A provisional charter valid for a term of two years is granted incorporating
George Aman. Thomas Connors. Florence Keison. Robert J. Savage, Gaii
Schonfeld. Stephen Sicilian. Dawn Zimmerman and their associates and
successors as an education corporation under the corporate name of Child
Development Center of the Hamptons, located in East Hampton, county of
Suffolk, state of New York.
2
The purpose for which such corporation is formed is to operate a preschool
for children with and without developmental delays and/or behavioral
difficulties from three to five years of age, a kindergarten for five-year-olds
with and without developmental delays and/or behavioral difficulties and a
grade one through eight elementary school for children with and without
developmental delays and/or behavioral difficulties, provided that nothing in
this charter shall be deemed to constitute approval for State funding for
programs and services under the jurisdiction of the Office for Special
Education Services (OSES).
3.
The persons named as incorporators shall constitute the first board of trustees.
The board shall have power to adopt bylaws. including therein provisions
fixing the method of election and the term of office of trustees. and shall have
power by vote of two-thirds of all the members of the board of trustees to
change the number of trustees to be not more than twenty-five nor less than
five.
4.
The names and post office addresses of the first trustees are as follows:
George Aman, Ph.D.
P.O. Box 879
Amagansett, New York 11930
Thomas Connors
143 Marine Road. P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett. New York 11930
Florence Kelson. Ph.D.
3 Shorewood Drive
East Hampton. New York 11937
Robert J. Savage. Esq.
288 Pantigo Road
East Hampton. New York 11937
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Page two
Gail Schonfeld. M.D.
94 Pantigo Road
East Hampton. New York 11937
Stephen Sicilian. Ph.D.
7 Springwood Way
East Hampton, New York 11937
Dawn Zimmerman
143 Marine Road, P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett, New York 11930
5.
The corporation hereby created shall be a nonstock corporation organized and
operated exclusively for educational purposes. and no part of its earnings or
net income shall inure to the benefit of any individual; and no officer.
member. or employee of the corporation shall receive or be entitled to receive
any pecuniary profit from the operations thereof. except reasonable
compensation for services.
6.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles the corporation shall not
carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a
corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future
United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions
to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal
Revenue Law).
7.
No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be devoted to
carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation
(except to the extent authorized by Internal Revenue Code section 501(h) as
amended. or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal
Revenue Law, during any fiscal year or years in which the corporation has
chosen to utilize the benefits authorized by the statutory provision), and the
corporation shall not participate in or intervene (including the publishing or
distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of any
candidate for public office.
8.
Upon dissolution of the corporation, the board of trustees shall, after paying
or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the corporation,
dispose of the remaining assets of the corporation exclusively for one or more
exempt purposes, within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future Federal
tax code), or shall distribute the same to the Federal government, or to a state
or local government. for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed
of shall be disposed of by order of the Supreme Court of the State of New
York in the judicial district where the principal office of the corporation is
then located. exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or
organizations. organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. as said
Court shall determine.
9.
The principal office of the corporation shall be located at 288 Pantigo Road.
East Hampton. New York 11937.
10.
The Commissioner of Education is designated as the representative of the
corporation upon whom process in any action or proceeding against it may be
served.
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Page three
11.
Such provisional charter will be made absolute if, within two years after the
date when this charter is granted. the corporation shall acquire resources and
equipment which are available for its use and support and which are sufficient
and suitable for its chartered purposes in the judgment of the Regents of the
University, and shall be maintaining an institution of educational usefulness
and character satisfactory to the Regents. Prior to the expiration of said two-
year period, an application for the extension of such provisional charter or for
an absolute charter will be entertained by the Regents. but in the event that
such application is not made. then at the expiration of said term of two years,
and upon notice by the Regents, such provisional charter shall terminate and
become void and shall be surrendered to the Regents.
Granted, June 14, 1996, by the Board of Regents
552
of The University of the State of New
York. for and on behalf of the State
Education Department, and executed
Maw
under the seal of said University and
recorded as Number 22,112.
CAU
Chancellor
President of The University and
Commissioner of Education
DANIEL P. MOYNIHAN
NEW YORK
United States Senate
WASHINGTON. DC 20510-3201
February 3, 1997
Dear Ms. Zinmerman:
I understand you are moving ahead with your efforts to
establish the Child Development Center of the Hamptons, and I
want you to know you have my full support. The need for such a
school in the East End of Long Island is beyond doubt. Your
plans would create an excellent one. Children in special
education should not have to travel miles and miles to get to
school. The Child Development Center would eliminate that
problem for many such children.
The proposed elimination of the BOCES Preschool Handicapped
Program in June makes your efforts all the more important. Were
it not for your interest and foresight, you and many other
parents would be starting from zero. I applaud your initiative
and I wish you the best in the upcoming crucial months. The
Child Development Center is vital for the appropriate education
of East End children. I look forward to it becoming a reality.
Sincerely,
Shogiam Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center
Of the Hamptons
136 Main Street
Amagansett, NY 11930
ALFONSE M. D'AMATO
NEW YORK
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3202
May 12, 1997
Dawn Zimmerman
Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
136 Main Street
P.O. Box 7115
Amagansett, New York 11930
Dear Ms. Zimmerman,
I am delighted to hear of your efforts to establish a
special education facility in the Hamptons and offer you my
support.
I read in your letter that the Child Development Center of
the Hamptons is a private, non-profit, special education school
that is open to the public and licensed by the New York State
Board of Regents. It seems to have growing support by the school
districts in the area as well as the parents of children who may
use the services. Allowing these students the opportunity to
receive a proper education will enable them to gain a greater
degree of independence that may not have been otherwise possible.
This local center would eliminate the two hour round-trip
travel time for some of these children who already face a daily
struggle. Eliminating long-distance commutes for children will
also relieve parents of worry, and allow for more parental
involvement in the education of their children.
I applaud your resolve to provide a sound education for
children with special needs on the East End of Long Island and
wish the Child Development Center of the Hamptons great success.
Sincerely,
Alfonse M. D'Amato
United States Senator
THE SENATE
STATE OF NEW YORK
KENNETH P. LAVALLE
325 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD
IST SENATE DISTRICT
SELDEN. NEW YORK 11784
VICE CHAIRMAN MAIORITY CONFERENCE
CHAIRMAN
COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
February 28, 1997
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
PO Box 1666
Amagansett, NY 11930
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
I am pleased to offer my support for the proposed Child Development
Center of the Hamptons. As the New York State Senator representing the First
Senatorial District, I am well aware of the problems faced by families on the East
End in meeting the needs of preschool children with disabilities. Many of these
families are forced to seek an appropriate education some thirty to forty miles
from home. Your proposed center will allow this vulnerable group of children an
opportunity to attend a facility within their own community.
I applaud your dedication and commitment to providing a valuable service to
children so in need of our help and support. I wish you much success as you
move forward in the certification process. I look forward to working together to
ensure that the New York State Department of Education recognizes the need and
value of your program. Your enthusiasm and extraordinary efforts on behalf of
these young people should be commended. I am confident that through your
tireless energy and the hard work of all those individuals who have been involved
in the process the Child Development Center of the Hamptons will become a
reality.
I wish you continued success in the future.
Sincerely yours
Kenneth P. LaValle
State Senator
KPL:ji
MICHAEL P. FORBES
LOCAL OFFICES:
1ST DISTRICT. NEW YORK
1500 WILLIAM FLOYD PARKWAY
SHIRLEY. LONG ISLAND. NY 11967
(516) 345-9000
COMMITTEE:
APPROPRIATIONS
Congress of the United States
186 WEST MONTAUK HIGHWAY
SUBCOMMITTEES:
HAMPTON ATRIUM. SUITE D
COMMERCE. JUSTICE. STATE. AND JUDICIARY
HAMPTON BAYS. LONG ISLAND. NY 11946
FOREIGN OPERATIONS. EXPORT FINANCING.
AND RELATED PROGRAMS
house of Representatives
(516) 723-0017
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE. AND GENERAL
222 MIDOLE COUNTRY ROAD
GOVERNMENT
Washington. BC 20515-3201
SMITHTOWN EXECUTIVE PLAZA. SUITE 107
SMITHTOWN. LONG ISLANO. NY 11787
INTERNET ADDRESS:
(516) 724-4600
[email protected]
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
WORLDWIDE WEB PAGE:
502 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON. DC 20515-3201
http://www.nouse.gov/forbas/weicome.ntml
(202) 225-3826
September 12, 1996
Ms. Dawn K. Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
PO Box 1666
Amagansett, NY 11930
Dear Ms. Zimmerman;
This letter will serve to express my support for the proposed Child Development Center
of the Hamptons. The need for a preschool special education program on eastern Long Island is
proven and long overdue. There are virtually no other services such as these east of
Southampton.
At the present time, children who attend special programs are forced to travel to either
Southampton or Westhampton. This is a burden on both the children and their families. Since
the number of children with special education needs increases each year, it is necessary to have a
program like the Child Development Center of the Hamptons nearby.
I urge the New York State Education Department to approve the application for
certification of the Child Development Center of the Hamptons.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL P. FORBES
Member of Congress
MPF:joc
BROOKHAVEN EAST HAMPTON RIVERHEAD SHELTER ISLAND SMITHTOWN SOUTHAMPTON SOUTHOLD
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
RANKING MINORITY MEME
Committee on House Opera:
ALBANY
COMMITTEES
Agncuiture
FRED W. THIELE. JR.
Environmental Conservation
Assemblyman 2nd District
Election Law
July 16, 1996
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to offer my strong support for the proposal by
the Child Development Center of the Hamptons for the creation of a
preschool center-based special education program, currently under
review by the New York State Department of Education.
As the New York State Assemblyman representing the 2nd
Assembly District located on Eastern Long Island, and as a resident
of Sag Harbor, I am fully aware of the difficulties present on the
East End in accessing special educational services for preschool
children with disabilities. These disabilities range from autism,
Down syndrome, cerebral palsy to deafness, blindness and other
tragic handicaps. For families to provide these special children
with appropriate education and socialization needs, they must make
arrangements for their child to attend a facility that may be 30 to
40 miles away. This distance necessitates extended travel for
individuals who have more than enough difficulties in dealing with
their handicaps on a daily basis without having this added stress.
Additionally, the few facilities located in our area are
limited in their ability to accommodate increased enrollment which
is foreseen in the future. These programs must strive to provide
many services critical to the basic development of these special
children and are restricted in offering expanded programs. The
result is a growing, underserved population with immediate
education, therapy, and socialization needs.
I feel certain that the creation of the Child Development
Center on Eastern Long Island would be a major improvement in the
provision of services to this underserved population. I strongly
urge you to review and approve the application for certification
requested by the Child Development Center of the Hamptons and hope
that you will feel free to contact me for further information
outlining the immediate needs of the Eastern Long Island community.
Sincerely,
Fred Threety
Fred W. Thiele, Jr.
Member of Assembly
FT:kk
ALBANY OFFICE: Room 530. Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248. (518) 455-5997. FAX (518) 455-5963
DISTRICT OFFICE: 2302 Main Street. P.O. Box 3062. Bridgenamoton. New York 11932 (516) 537-2583. FAX (516) 537-2836
STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
DIVISION OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
5 Empire State Plaza
Suite 2836
Albany, New York 12223-1551
John L. Behan
Director
June 25, 1996
Mrs. Dawn Zimmerman
P. O. Box 1666
Amagansett, NY 11980
Dear Mrs. Zimmerman:
I want to commend your efforts - and extend my support - for the establishment of
the Child Development Center of the Hamptons to provide assessment and programs for
disabled children within our community.
I applaud your commitment and enthusiasm to address and obtain services for pre-
school students with special education needs, and I wish you much success in securing
approval and certification from the New York State Department of Education.
I regret that my responsibilities to the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs
and our veterans community precludes my assuming a more active role in helping you
with this important and necessary project in our community.
My personal best wishes.
Fill John L. Behan
Sincerely
Director
JLB/HJM/mb
VILLAGE OF EAST HAMPTON
27 MAIN STREET
EAST HAMPTON. N.Y. 11937
516-324-4150
"HOME. SWEET HOME
FAX 516-324-4189
BIRTHPLACE or JOHN
JUNE INSPIRATION
HIS FAMOUS SONG -CHE THE
THE HOOK MILL
OFFICE OF
MAINTAINED BY VILLAGEAS . MM:
THE - LORIS BILLAND - -
- and SETTLERS TO - -
- ETHER - and - STILL
OPERATED. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
MAYOR
July 18, 1996
To Whom It May Concern:
This correspondence affirms support for the establishment of
the Child Development Center of the Hamptons. Given the number of
pre-school children in East Hampton and immediate environs,
identified as being in need of special educational needs, a
localized facility would be extremely beneficial to assist in
fulfilling their special requirements.
I urge the New York State Education Department to view
favorable the application for certification made by Child
Development Center of the Hamptons (CDC).
John PAUL F. RICKENBACH, JR.
MAYOR
EAST HAMPTON BUSINESS ALLIANCE
P.O. Box 530
East Hampton, New York 11937
Telephone/Fax (516) 324-8550
July 17, 1996
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center Of The Hamptons
P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett, New York 11930
To Whom It May Concern:
Some months ago, Dawn Zimmerman shared her plans for the Child Development Center
Of The Hamptons with the East Hampton Business Alliance.
The Business Allliance is very supportive of Ms. Zimmerman in this venture.
Not only should it benefit children in our own community, but it should provide a number
of jobs in the community. When it is in operation, it will also save large sums of taxpayer
dollars which are currently being spent on transporting these children to Westhampton.
The East Hampton Business Allliance supports using land in the industrial park area for
this school.
We wish you all the best as you pursue this ambitious project, and stand ready to be of
assistance to you in any way possible
Sincerely,
Sherry B. ways
Sherry B. Wolfe]
Executive Director
PROVIDING A VOICE FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
EAST HAMPTON TOWN,
1
TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
I
Department of Human Services
300 Pantigo Place. Suite 111A
East Hampton. New York 11937
Edna M. Steck. C.S.W., Director
(516)
May 23, 1996
To whom it may concern:
We, the Town of East Hampton Disabilities Advisory Board, express our wholehearted
endorsement and support for the Child Development Center of the Hamptons.
As the population grows on the East End. we feel that an integrated curriculum which
combines both regular and special education children, is a vital and necessary program.
Presently, our special education population in our community must travel a minimum of
one hour each way to either the Southampton or Westhampton programs. This is a real burden
for such children who already struggie with a disability.
If you have any questions please call me at 267-6372.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Shind
Glenn Hall. Chairperson
East Hampton Disabilities Advisory Board
ROTARY
ERNAT
IONAL
THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST HAMPTON
East Hampton, New York 11937
RALPH J. WOLFE
President
July 22, 1996
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
Executive Director
Child Development Center Of The Hamptons
To Whom It May Concern:
The Rotary Club Of East Hampton, New York enthusiastically supports the formation of
the Child Development Center Of The Hamptons for many reasons, but the local ability to
teach our challenged children probably appeals the most.
We stand ready to assist this organization in its huge task, to the best of our ability.
Hopefully, the entire community on the East End will also support this fine endeavor.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely yours,
Rafel walfe
Ralph J. Wolfe
President
Tel. 324-5661
Kiwanis Club Of East Hampton
Box 1902
East Hampton, New York 11937
Len Bernard
Van Quick
President
Vice President
Dawn Zimmerman
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
PO Box 1666
Amagansett, New York 11930
Dear Dawn:
As President of the East Hampton Kiwanis Club I am proud to inform you that at our
recent Board of Directors meeting we unanimously voted to endorse the Child
Development Center of the Hamptons. We support the need for such a facility in the
Town of East Hampton and pledge our future support for the project. As you may know,
the theme of Kiwanis is "Children Priority One." Your Center would help to make
children, especially those with special needs, more of a priority in our own community.
Our club offers a number of unique resources in that members are community and
business leaders with a knowledge of how to get things done in our Town. We are also
a volunteer service organization that is always ready to help assist in a worthy cause, such
as yours. If we can assist your effort to make the center a reality, please feel free to call
us for assistance.
We wish you all the best of luck in your endeavor. We are confident that you will be
successful and receive the community support we believe your project deserves.
Sincerely,
pin (Len Bernard
President
EAST HAMPTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
76 NEWTOWN LANE
EAST HAMPTON, NEW YORK 11937-2409
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NOEL McSTAY
Sharon Bacon, President
Superintendent of Schools
Michael Tracey, Vice-Pres.
Laura Anker Grossman, Ph.D.
ANTHONY T. CORREALE
Wendy J. Hall
Ass't. to Superintendent
Debbie Mansir
MARYLYNN MARRESE, Ph.D.
John Ryan, Sr.
School Business Administrator
Stephen P. Talmage
DEIRDRE HERZOG, Treasurer
DONNA MARIE RUSSO
District Clerk
March 26, 1998
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
P.O. Box 7115
136 Main Street
Amagansett, New York 11930
Dear Dawn,
I am pleased to continue my support in your application to the New York State Education
Department to develop a special education program in the East Hampton Township to include
students of ages 5-21.
Such a program will be truly appreciated by those parents/students who now have to ride a bus, in
some cases, over an hour each way to their educational facility. Your program, if approved, will
allow students to be educated in their own school district which is most appropriate in addition to
saving each student from spending 2 hours daily being transported.
Good luck in this endeavor. If I can be of further assistance in the application process, please do
not hesitate to contact my office.
Kalaly Noel McStay
Sincerely,
Superintendent
MONTAUK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
50 SOUTH DORSET ROAD
MONTAUK, NEW YORK 11954-5057
TELEPHONE/TTY: 516-668-2474
FAX: 516-668-1107
[email protected]
J. PHILIP PERNA, SUPERINTENDENT
CAROL EBERLEIN, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
REGINA A. STONE, CLERK
MAURA A. MIRRAS, TREASURER
"The Lighthouse School District"
March 24, 1998
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
44 Meadow Way
East Hampton, New york 11937
Dear Ms. Zimmerman,
The Montauk UFSD joins you in strongly urging the New York State Education
Department to approve the application of the Child Development Center of the
Hamptons so that it can begin to run a program for our school-age children in need of
special educational services. Montauk is 45 miles away from the nearest BOCES
Center and that usually means a bus ride of at least one hour in each direction for our
students. Current BOCES costs are exorbitant, and the cost of transporting the
students is almost as costly. The Child Development Center of the Hamptons would
offer our students a chance to be closer to their community and would definitely be a
less restrictive environment.
Please let me know what we can do to help you gain approval.
Sincerely,
J.Philip erna J. Philip Perna
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION
THERESE WATSON. PRESIDENT
SAGAPONACK COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT
TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON
SAGAPONACK. N. Y. 11962
March 12, 1997
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Box 7115, 136 Main Street
Amagansett, N.Y. 11930
Dear Dawn:
This letter is to support your application to the New
York State Education Department for an upward extension of
your special education program to include age 5-21 students.
It will be wonderful for students whose needs cannot be
accommodated in their home schools to have a facility in East
Hampton, rather than having to travel to Westhampton Beach,
Riverhead, or points further west. The shorter travel time
for our students will reduce one of the big negatives ex-
pressed by parents, and will give students more time to par-
ticipate in activities in their own communities rather than
spending their time riding around in mini-busses.
Our CSE and community at large are all in favor of your
projected 5-21 program, even though we have few special needs
students compared to other school districts.
Good luck with your application. Please let me know if
I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Jane Jane Schnity Schmitz
Coordinator of Special Education
WAINSCOTT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #2
MAIN STREET. P.O. BOX 79
WAINSCOTT. NY 11975
TELEPHONE (516) 537-1080
March 12, 1997
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Box 7115, 136 Main Street
Amagansett, N.Y. 11930
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
This letter is to support the application of the Child
Development Center to the New York State Education Department
for a special education program for age 5-21 students in the
town of East Hampton.
At the present time, students with disabilities that
cannot be accommodated in their home schools must travel to
Westhampton Beach, Riverhead, or points further west. Having
a facility in East Hampton not only cuts the travel time for
students, but also cuts through much of the resistance many
of our parents feel at having to send their children so far
away. Children can then participate in appropriate ac-
tivities in their own communities rather than spending their
discretionary time riding around in mini-busses.
Although we do not have many students with special
needs, we do have some, and our CSE and the community at
large are all in favor of your planned facility. We hope that
it is soon successfully launched.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assis-
tance.
Sincerely,
Jane Schuety Jane Schmitz
Coordinator of Special Education
SHELTER ISLAND UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
P.O. Box 2015
Shelter Island, N.Y. 11964
(516) 749-0302
FAX: (516) 749-1262
DR. LYDIA J. AXELROD
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Superintendent
Robert F. Reylek, President
M. KATHERINE DEVLIN-DEGNAN
Linda M. Springer, Vice President
District Clerk
Matthew J. Bonora
Patrícia R. Reilly
EILEEN V. HANNEMA
Jeanne J. Farnan
Donald E. Bindler
District Treasurer
Dr. Scott R. Campbell
April 6, 1998
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
P.O. Box 7115, 136 Main Street
Amagansett, N.Y. 11930
Dear Dawn,
This letter is to support the application of the Child development Center to the
New York State Education Department for a special education program for age
5-21 students in the town of East Hampton.
The eastern end of Long Island is indeed deprived of a program for school aged
children in need of special services.
The Child Development Center will not only fulfill that need but will also enhance
the quality of life for students and families as well.
It is our sincere hope that your projected program comes to fruition and we are
in total support of your commitment to this project.
Good luck for this enterprise, and be assured that we lend our unconditional
support.
Sincerely,
Rydu Jayelrod
Dr. Lydia J.Axelrod,
Superintendent
LJA/el
Springs Public School
SPRINGS UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF EAST HAMPTON
48 SCHOOL STREET, SPRINGS
EAST HAMPTON, NEW YORK 11937
516-324-0144
FAX: 516-324-0269
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DR. WILLIAM SILVER, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
REGINALD CORNELIA, PRESIDENT
DAVID ENOS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
JILL A. ANDERSON, VICE PRESIDENT
KENNETH HAMILTON, DISTRICT TREASURER
IRWIN ROBERTS
JOSEPHINE TURK, DISTRICT CLERK
PETER HASSINGER
DEBORAH SCHIFF
April 14, 1998
Dawn Zimmerman, Executive Director
Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Box 7115
136 Main Street
Amagansett, NY 11930
Dear Dawn:
This letter is to support your application to the New York State Education Department
for the extension of your special education program to include age 5-21 students.
It will be wonderful for students whose needs cannot be accommodated in their home
schools to have a facility in East Hampton. Currently these students are bussed to
Southampton, Westhampton Beach and programs further west. These long bus rides
have always been a concern of parents, as well as our Committee on Special Education.
A program for school-aged children in East Hampton will allow our students to
participate more regularly in community and Springs School events.
Good luck with your application. If we can be of any further assistance to you, please
do not hesitate to contact either one of us (or both) at (516) 324-0144.
Sincerely,
DR. WILLIAM SILVER
Lacy LUCY Chairperson, BERNARD Bunad Commitee on Kae
Superintendent of Schools
Special Education
LB/kmc
Bridgehampton Union Free School District
P.O. Box 3021, 2685 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY 11932-3021
(516) 537-0271 Fax: (516) 537-0443
Charles A. Ebetino
Fred Coverdale
Interim Superintendent
Deborah Haab
Interim Principal
Business Administrator
April 7, 1998
DAWN ZIMMERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
BOX 7115, 136 MAIN STREET
AMAGANSETT, NY 11930
Dear Ms. Zimmerman:
The Bridgehampton UFSD strongly supports your application to the
New York State Education Department for programming school age
children 5-21 years of age with special educational needs that
cannot be addressed in a home school and least restrictive
setting. At present students that cannot be accommodated in
their home schools must travel to BOCES in Westhampton Beach.
Many parents are resistive to the travel time and lengthy bus
ride for their children when they are placed in Westhampton
Beach, and further west.
Your program, if approved will offer students an alternative
educational program that is near their own school district. Not
only will students benefit from less travel time they may also be
able to participate in activities in their own school community
such as after school special events.
Please let me know if I can be of any further support for your
approval.
Sincerely,
MaryJohnsen
Mary Johnsen
CPSE Chairperson
MJ:dd
"A special place
getting better."
SAG HARBOR UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
200 JERMAIN AVENUE
SAG HARBOR, NEW YORK 11963
DANIEL W. ALVINO, ED.D.
DIRECTOR OF PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
516-725-5303 FAX 516-725-5307
January 27, 1997
Mrs. Dawn Zimmerman
PO Box 1666
Amagansett, NY 11980
Dear Mrs. Zimmerman,
I was pleased to learn of your recent application to the New York State Education
Department requesting authorization to develop a special education program in the Easthampton
Township for students ages 5-21. It is my understanding that the proposed program would become
an integral component of the proposed Child Development Center of the Hamptons. Needless to
say, a program for school age-children in close proximity to our Sag Harbor UFSD facilities is
sorely needed and would fill a major program void that exists for programs in the specified age
range.
At the present time school-age children with disabilities who require school-based programs
are bussed to Southampton, Westhampton Beach, and centers further west. A viable option in our
own vicinity would be well-received by our Committee on Special Education (CSE) and by the Sag
Harbor community at large. In considering school-based programs, the distance factor is crucial
in the decision-making process.
I wish you well in your endeavors. If I can be of any further assistance to you in the
application process, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Nauill alvero
Daniel W. Alvino
ARCHITECT
Bruce D. Nagel
10 October 1996
Ms. Dawn Zimmerman
The Child Development Center of the Hamptons
P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett, New York 11930
Re:
THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS
PROPOSAL FOR THE PROVISION OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
Dear Dawn:
Thank you for asking me to make a proposal to provide architectural services for the New Child
Development Center of the Hamptons. As a full time member of this community and parent of a 3 year
old daughter, I have very strong interests in the development of your program and know that your success
is necessary and needed for our town and area. I am here to help and am willing to do so even if not hired
to be the Architect for this valuable project.
I have some experience with these types of projects. In 1989 I completed drawings and went to bid for a
Head Start Center that was planned on Flanders Road for the Town of Southampton. This Center was
planned for five classrooms, 120 children, administration offices, full kitchen facilities, and a multi-
purpose room for rainy day activities and evening community use. Currently I am doing the new East
Hampton Day Care Center in the Village of East Hampton. This Center will also be for 120 children and
other community services. Therefore, I have some familiarity with the State requirements and the
requirements of the Suffolk County Health Department.
I am pleased to propose the following as the basis for my architectural services for your new Child
Development Center.
THE PROJECT
You, the Owner will provide me with a program which summarize the complete project. At this point I
understand that the project consists of twelve classrooms, administration offices, therapy rooms,
recreation room, cafeteria, library, bus drop off area, parking, and playground area(s).
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AND FEES
I will provide Complete Architectural Services in five phases of work Schematic Design, Design
Development, Construction Documents, Bidding, and Construction Administration.
I propose to provide the Architectural Services described herein for a percentage fee of 6% of the cost of
construction as follows: (Assume the construction cost is $2,850,000.00)
P.O. Box 5001
East Hampton, New York 11937
516/329-5003
Fax 516/329-3114
Page 2 of 4
Schematic Design Phase
$ 25,650.00
15%
Design Development Phase
$ 25,650.00
15%
Construction Documents Phase
$ 68,400.00
40%
Bidding
8,550.00
5%
Construction Administration
$ 42,750.00
25%
Total of these Five Phases
$ 171,000.00
100%
The Architect's fees include Engineering fees but does not include reimbursable costs.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE
After receipt of the signed Agreement, I will start work on preliminary concepts for the Center. These will
be presented as one or more alternative designs in the form of one-eighth scale plans and sketched views.
(If you should require models, perspectives or renderings, these would be provided as Additional
Services). Based upon an initial presentation and follow-up review with you, I will make a second
presentation with revised design(s) with the expectation that at this point with minor adjustments I will
have achieved a scheme which you will approve for development in the next phase.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE
After your approval of a Schematic Design, I will proceed with the Design Development of that scheme at
one-quarter inch scale, and will present you with plans, elevations and views as necessary. These
drawings will show the Center in greater detail, with all doors & windows shown, toilet layouts, and a
general understanding of the main materials given. I will repeat the meeting and review process used in
Schematic Design to refine the plans at this greater level of detail. In this phase of Design. or earlier, I will
include as well an overall site plan including the entrance drive/bus drop off and parking area(s), but I will
not develop the landscape design beyond this as part of our Basic Services. However, by the end of
Design Development I will achieve a design description sufficient for you to fully understand it and to
authorize me to produce Construction Documents.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS PHASE
After your authorization to proceed, I will produce a set of Working Drawings which will enable you to
price or bid the construction costs.
The set of Working Drawings will include all elements necessary for construction, except a surveyor's
plan of the proposed project, which must be obtained from a surveyor, using the Drawings I have
prepared.
The basic elements of the Working Drawings will include a site plan, foundation plan, floor and roof
plans, building elevations, and a wall section. In addition, the Drawings will include other elements of
information essential for the construction: window and door selections and sizes, finishes, identification of
all the essential materials, and plumbing fixtures, equipment and cabinet layouts.
Bruce D. Nagel, Architect P.O. Box 5001 East Hampton, NY 937 516/329-5003
Page 3 of 4
All structural information will be provided directly on the floor plans, and as necessary on the elevations,
but details - structural or architectural - will be included in the Drawings only as I deem it necessary to
describe the scope of construction. Interior elevations will be similarly included where it otherwise would
not be described.
CONSULTANTS
I will need to engage a structural engineer and a mechanical engineer. I do not expect to need the services
of or any other specialized consultant for your Documents, in the event that we do need a special
consultant that this will be on an fixed fee or hourly basis, to review the work, and I expect that you will
agree, having reviewed the proposed additional cost of this consultant, to approve doing so.
CONSTRUCTION COST
At this point, I feel that the budget that we have discussed of $100 per square foot is possible and can be
the target goal. Albeit, it shall be the Owner's responsibility to establish the budget for this project. As
your Architect, I recommend that you seek review independent of myself of the construction cost of the
projected design. While I as your Architect will assist you in designating materials suited to your own
objectives to control costs and will endeavor to keep the size of the project within the limits set forth
herein, I will not provide written estimates of the probable cost of construction. I will as you request,
however, recommend to you, and assist you in involving appropriate contractors, or professional
estimators, to provide such estimates of the construction cost at the conclusion of the Design
Development phase.
ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITY DURING CONSTRUCTION
I as your Architect agree to exercise usual and customary professional care and diligence in the
performance of the services I have contracted to provide.
During construction of this project, it is also understood that the Architect shall not have control over or
charge of and shall not be responsible for construction means, methods, techniques, sequences or
procedures, or for safety precautions and programs in connection with the Work, since these are solely the
Contractor's responsibility, and the Architect shall not be responsible for the construction schedule(s) or
the failure of the Contractor to carry out the Work in accordance with the Documents.
HOURLY RATES FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Beyond the services enumerated above, obtaining permits, applications to or appearances before
governmental agencies, or further design consultation (for example, working with interior designers,
landscape architect, or revisions in the drawings reflecting desired changes in the project after approvals),
as you may require on an hourly basis.
Bruce D. Nagel, Architect P.O. Box 5001 East Hampton, NY 11937 516/329-5003
Page 4 of 4
My hourly fees for these or any other Additional Service you may request, when such services are not
specifically included in my limited Architectural Services as proposed herein, are as follows:
Principal
$ 100/Hour
Draftsman
$ 50/Hour
Secretarial
$ 25/Hour
If you wish to proceed on the basis of my proposal, please let me know as soon as possible and I will
prepare a contract and get started.
Sincerely,
Brue D.Nagal
Bruce D. Nagel, AIA
file: c:\9609\proposal.doc
Bruce D. Nagel, Architect P.O.Box 5001 East Hampton, NY 11937 516/329-5003
ARCHITECT
Bruce D. Nagel
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - ESTIMATE
10 October 1996
Items
Cost
Excuvation & Grading
$67,500.00
Foundations & Slab
$108,000.00
Masonry
$215,000.00
Carpentry Materials
$260,000.00
Labor
$315,000.00
Windows & Doors
$140,000.00
Electric & Fixtures
$238,500.00
Alarm System
$40,000.00
PA System / Telephone
$22,500.00
Plumbing
$112,500.00
Heating & Air Conditioning
$305,000.00
Sprinkler System
$40,000.00
Insulation
$22,500.00
Drywall
$77,500.00
Ceramic Tile
$40,000.00
Wood Floors
$27,000.00
Vinyl Tile Flooring
$27,000.00
Carpet Flooring
$58,500.00
Case Goods (Cabinets)
$112,500.00
Paint
$95,000.00
Hardware
$27,000.00
Debris Removal
$35,000.00
Parking, Driveway & Curbing
$85,000.00
Landscaping
$165,000.00
Contractor's Fee (10%)
$247,100.00
Total
$2,883,100.00
Play Ground Equipment
$100,000.00
Architect's Fee (6%)
$173,000.00
Landscape Architect's Fee
$50,000.00
TOTAL
$3,206,100.00
P.O. Box 5001 East Hampton, New York 11937 516/329-5003 Fax 516/329-3114
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of the HAMPTONS
CENTER
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
East Ha Hampton. New York
C.D.C.H
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Child Development Center of the Hamptons
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Outside Fiscal Consultant
(C.P.A.)
Advisory Board
Parent Committees
Administrator and Supervisor
Administrator and
of Evaluation and Related
Supervisor of
Services
Educational Services
Board Committees
Lead Teacher
Special
Physical Education
EducationTeachers
Teacher
Art Teacher
Librarian
Administrator of Finances
Director of Buildings and
Music Teacher
Grounds
Teaching Aldes
Maintenance Service
Office Manager
Personnel
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Social Worker
Nurse
Administrative Assistant
Nutritionist
DAWN K. ZIMMERMAN
P.O. Box 1666
Amagansett, N.Y. 11930
(516) 267-3176
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Securities Industry
EXECUTIVE SALES ASSISTANT TO VICE-PRESIDENT OF PREFERRED TRADING
Drexel Burnham Lambert - High Yield Bond Department, Beverly Hills, CA (9/84 - 11/89)
Assisted two traders and three salesmen in all aspects of preferred sales and trading department. Responsible
for entire cost effective operation of department, as well as coordination of meetings, events, special projects.
SALES ASSISTANT
Shearson American Express, Beverly Hills, CA (12/81 - 8/84)
SALES ASSISTANT
E. F. Hutton, Beverly Hills, California (9/81 - 11/81)
SALES ASSISTANT
Kidder, Peabody & Co., Los Angeles, CA (2/80 - 9/81)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Security First Group (Holden Group), Los Angeles, CA (11/78 - 2/80)
Summary of Knowledge and Experience
Client Relations
Extensive Telephone Communication Skills
Troubleshooting
Customer Service
Orders/Quotes
Staff Supervision
Public Relations
Coordination with Third-Party Brokers
Organization of Annual Bond Conference
Work Scheduling
Recordkeeping (Profit & Loss, Research
Trade Problems
Material, Corporate Account Balancing,
Commercial Paper
Money Markets)
Sales, Marketing & Public Relations
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Avon Rent-A-Car-Truck, Hollywood, CA (9/90 - 9/92)
Responsible for leasing production vehicles for feature films, commercials and video productions. (Account
base of 1200 customers.) Responsible for all advertising and public relation events for the company. Six
Avon Locations: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, San Diego, Phoenix, North Hollywood.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
TCS Publishing, Inc., San Diego, CA (1/90 - 9/90)
Sold advertising space (print) for various community publications and visitors guides. Beverly Hills,
Hollywood, West Los Angeles. Glossy four-color/black & white. Experience in helping with ad layout.
STEPHEN P. SICILIAN, Ph.D.
7 Springwood Way
Home: (516) 324-0774
East Hampton, NY 11937
Work: (718) 883-4330
EDUCATION
1985 Ph.D., Psychology
City University of New York Graduate School and University Center
1982 M.Phil., Psychology
City University of New York Graduate School and University Center
1977 B.A., Psychology
State University of New York at Stony Brook
ADDITIONAL CLINICAL TRAINING
1983-1986 Certificate, Child Therapy Training Program
New Hope Guild Mental Health Clinic
Brooklyn, New York
1982 Psychology Externship
Developmental Disabilities Center
St. Lukes/Rooseveit Hospital, New York, N.Y.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1993 - Present Program Director, Center for Child Development, Mount Sinai Medical
Center, Queens Hospital Center Affiliation, Department of Psychiatry, Jamaica, NY
11432
Manage all facets (clinical, administrative and financial) of Center for Child
Development. Provide direct clinical services and supervise multi-disciplinary team
consisting of physicians, psychologists, social workers, special educators, speech
pathologists, etc. Obtained contracts with New York City Department of Mental Health
and State Department of Education to provide evaluation and center-based treatment
services Education. under the Early Intervention Program and Committee of Preschool Special
Stephen P. Sicilian, Ph.D.
Page 2
1986 - 1993 Staff Psychologist, Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical Center, Queens
Hospital Center Affiliation, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Jamaica, N.Y.,
11432.
Child Development Clinic: Development and administration of medical and
psychological follow-up program for premature and high risk newborns, from Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit through age five; participated in interdisciplinary team conducting
evaluations of children to age six with developmental and emotional delays; provided
individual psychotherapy to three- to seven-year-old children; supervised and
conducted seminars for psychology interns, externs and pediatric residents.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic: Conducted intakes and provide individual and
family therapy to children and adolescents; supervised diagnostic testing and
psychotherapy of psychology interns and externs; conducted seminars for students
and staff.
1987-1989 Supervising Psychologist, St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital, Department of
Pediatrics, Developmental Disabilities Center, New York, N.Y. 10019.
Administered outpatient psychotherapy program; consulted to staff and parents of
preschool program; member of an interdisciplinary team evaluating children with
severe sensory impairments and/or cognitive or emotional delays; provided individual
psychotherapy to children; supervised psychology externs; conducted seminars for
psychology interns, externs and pediatrics/psychiatry residents; participated in
research projects, including development of a proposal for medical and psychological
followup for high risk newborns.
1983-1987 Psychotherapist, New Hope Guild Mental Health Clinic, 1777 East 21st. Brooklyn,
N.Y. 11229. Brooklyn, N.Y. Provided psychoanalytically-oriented individual
psychotherapy to adolescents and adults.
1981-1987 Evaluation Consultant, Office of Educational Evaluation, New York Public
Schools. Developed assessment strategies and instruments for the evaluation of city-
wide federally funded programs; interviewed school personnel and students; analyzed
data; prepared final evaluation reports and provided recommendations for future
programs.
1984-1986 Psychologist, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, New York, N.Y.
10019. Conducted cognitive and projective assessments of children three to nine
years; provided group psychotherapy to preschool children and organized research
evaluating the effectiveness of the preschool group treatment program.
1983 Research Consultant, Children's Television Workshop.New York, N.Y. Participated in
research developing computerized educational materials for home and school use.
Contributed recommendations for content and age relevance as well as evaluative
research design.
Stephen P. Sicilian, Ph.D.
Page 3
1982 Psychology Extern, Developmental Disabilities Center, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital,
New York, N.Y. Administered cognitive and projective tests, recommended
intervention programs, conducted consultations with parents, participated in seminars.
1981-1982 Adjunct Instructor, Borough of Manhattan Community College. Taught
introductory psychology courses.
1978-1982 Research Associate, Center for Advanced Study in Education, The Graduate
School and University Center of the City University of New York. National Institute of
Education Grant awarded to study the development of mathematical concepts in
children. Program included the investigation of the development of early numerical
concepts as well as an investigation of mother-child interaction systems and their
influence on cognitive development (Dr. Geoffrey Saxe, Project Director).
1980-1981 Evaluation Associate, Center for Advanced Study in Education, City University of
New York. Participated in the evaluation of Day Care Council Training Programs.
Assisted in preparation of the evaluation instruments, analysis of data and writing of
summary report.
1976-1978 Research Assistant, Brain Research Laboratory, New York University Medical
Center. National Science Foundation grant awarded to study neuropsychological
assessment of atypical children (Dr. E. Roy John, Project Director).
1976-1977 Research Assistant, State University of New York at Stony Brook. Study of
infant development (Dr. Herbert Kaye, Project Director).
CLINICAL APPOINTMENTS
1987-Present Attending Psychologist, Queens Hospital Center Non-Physician Professional
Staff, Department of Psychiatry.
1988-1989 Supervising Psychologist, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center Professional
Staff, Joint Appointment to Pediatric and Psychiatry Departments.
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
1995-Present Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
New York, NY
1987-1995 Affiliate Clinical Professor of Psychology, Psychology Department,
St. John's University, Jamaica, N.Y.
1988-1989 Instructor in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry Department, Columbia University
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, N.Y.
Stephen P. Sicilian, Ph.D.
Page 4
FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS
1979-1982 University Fellowship, City University of New York.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Member American Psychological Association
Member
New York State Psychological Association
Member
Queens County Psychological Association
Member
Society for Research in Child Development
Member
National Center for Clinical Infant Programs
LISCENSURES
New York State Licensure as Psychologist.
PUBLICATIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS
Sicilian, S. A Comparative Analysis of Blind and Sighted Children's Counting Errors. Child
Development, Submitted for publication.
Sicilian, S., and Cowan, S. Proposal for Medical and Psychological Followup of High Risk
Newborns. Unpublished manuscript, 1989.
Sicilian, S. The Development of Counting Strategies in Congenitally Blind Children.Journal of
Blindness and Visual Impairment, 1988, 82, 331-335.
Saxe, G.B., Gearhart M., Guberman, S., Imperiale, G., Filardo, E. and Sicilian S. Some
Aspects of the Social Organization of Early Number Development. Paper presented at
the 1983 Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development.
Sicilian, S. and Saxe, G.B. Configurations as Figurative Supports in Young Children's
Counting. Unpublished Manuscript, 1982.
Saxe, G.B., and Sicilian, S. Children's Interpretation of Their Counting Accuracy:
A Developmental Analysis. Child Development, 1981, 52, 1250-1253.
Saxe, G.B., Sicilian, S., and Schonfeld, I.S. Developmental Differences in Children's
Understanding of Conventional Properties of Counting. Unpublished Manuscript,
1980.
Saxe, G.B., Schonfeld, I., Sicilian, S. and Segal, C. Cognition About Counting and Its
Relation to Number Conservation. Paper presented at the Ninth Annual Symposium of
the Jean Piaget Society. Philadelphia, May, 1979.
FLORENCE KELSON, Ph.D.
3 Shorewood Drive
East Hampton. NY 11937
Phone: (516) 324-7447
EDUCATIONAL
B.S. Brooklyn College - 1948
BACKGROUND
M.S. City College - 1958
Ph.D. Yeshiva University - 1965
CERTIFICATION
Administration and Supervision
District Administrator
New York State School Psychologist
New York State Licensed Psychologist
New York State Hearing Officer
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
Jan. 1990-Present
Psychological Consultant
East Quogue Union Free School District
1960-Nov. 1989
School Psychologist
Chairperson of School Psychology Department
Director of Pupil Personal Services
Westbury Union Free School District
Part-time positions held during the last 29 years
include: College instruction, Supervision of Interns.
In-service Training. Specializations include
Developmental Psychology, Exceptional Children and
Special Education.
1958-1960
Clinical Psychologist: North Side Child Guidance
Clinic
1957-1958
Clinical Fellow Psychology: CCNY
PROFESSIONAL
Scheduling, training, supervision and budgeting for
RESPONSIBILITIES
a special education department of 29 teachers. 7
transitional support teachers and 1 consultant teacher.
Administration and supervision of psychology department.
social workers.nurses. doctors. speech therapists. dentists.
aides. ESL department. district census workers and home
instruction. In-service training for psychologists.
social workers and teachers. President of administrative
and supervisory bargaining unit. Chairperson of
Committee on Special Education.
COLLEGE
INSTRUCTION
Jan. 1990-Present
Adjunct Associate Professor: Dowling College
Graduate Department of Special Education
Courses presented: Federal and State Laws
for Special Education: Education of the Mentally
Handicapped: Education of the Emotionally Disturbed
Jan. 1992-Dec. 1992
Adjunct Associate Professor: Southampton College
Department of Education
Courses presented: Educational Psychology
PSYCHOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT
Jan. 1993-Present
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
Services for Children with Handicapping Conditions
QLI
DAILY
NEWS
LongIsland
RICK DEMBOW
WRITER
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. with wordy
creation; Florence Giannini's
daughter peers "Through the Looking Glass," (I.)
and artist Carla Olsen's Cheshire cat teapot (top).
Going, going all out for school
By DEBBIE TUMA
will be open to pupils from all
Kurt Vonnegut Jr., designed tea-
Special to The News
East End districts. It will serve
pots, cups and saucers, which
When Dawn Zimmerman moved
students ranging in age from 3 to
were auctioned off by Sotheby's.
to Amagansett five years ago with
21 who are challenged by disabil-
Tea sets decorated with hearts,
her autistic son, the closest school
ities, including Down syndrome,
stars, frogs, stripes, flowers -
for special education was more
autism, cerebral palsy and emo-
even a Cheshire cat - sold for
than an hour away on a school
tional problems.
$200 to $3,500, to a crowd of more
DAILY NEWS
bus.
Zimmerman and the other par-
than 300 eager bidders.
ents hope to raise $5 million to
The ride to Westhampton is no
A large, collage-style mirror,
build the new school.
longer an issue - the pre-school
called "Through the Looking
The Town of East Hampton re-
program was eliminated for bud-
Glass," designed by Brooklyn art-
cently agreed to donate 8 acres of
ist Florence Giannini, took the
get reasons by the Board of Coop-
land for the school.
top bid at $3,500.
erative Educational Services.
So far, Ron Perelman, CEO of
"This closing creates a crisis for
The bidders, Jim and Kathy
Revlon Inc., and an East Hampton
Brew, donated the mirror to the
over 100 East End children des-
resident, has pledged $500,000.
school.
perately in need of special educa-
Last Sunday, the school raised
Bill Hofmann, an artist from
Sunday, July 20, 1997
tion services," said Zimmerman.
another $40,000 at a unique event
East Hampton, said he wanted to
She and other parents of dis-
- a Mad Hatter's Tea Party - in
participate to help the children.
abled children are now raising
the garden of Sagaponack artist
"It sounded like a good idea to
money to create their own school,
Robert Dash.
me, and I've never painted a tea-
The Child Development Center of
About 30 artists, including Peter
pot before," he said. "I was happy
the Hamptons.
Max. Preston Phillips, Jack Lar-
it sold for $600 to boost this worthy
The private. nonprofit school
son. J. Seward Johnson and writer
cause."
Newsday
http://www.newsday.com
TUESDAY, FEB. 17, 1998
SUFFOLK
50e
DATELINES
EAST END /
"Therapies Through the Arts'
Arts and traditional therapy are part of an
"enrichment program" at the Child
Development Center of the Hamptons, a
newly founded preschool for East End children
affected by Down syndrome, autism,
cerebral palsy and other emotional and
physical challenges.
"Besides the needed treatment for their
conditions, we are offering what we could call
alternative therapies through the arts," said
Dawn Zimmerman, executive director. "Our
first theater presentation was so successful
that we had to turn down people, but we
envision an expansion of these programs
beyond the preschool level," she said.
Zimmerman, whose 8-year-old son, Jon, is
autistic, started the school on eight acres of
land donated by the Town of East Hampton
to offer parents and their children an early
educational center not too far from home.
Most disabled children have to travel three
hours every day in their round-trip to
Westhampton Beach, the nearest instructional
center for special students.
Inaugurated in September, the center
employs 15 professionals, among them special
education elementary teachers and physical,
speech and occupational therapists. "Our
goal," Zimmerman says, "is to provide the
children with the tools to learn, the courage to
achieve and the confidence to reach their
potential."
- Victor Manuel Ramos
The New York Times
Copyright © 1998 The New York Times
NEW YORK, SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1998
$3 beyond the greater New York metropolitan
The End
Let's hear it for Long Island corporate ingenu-
ity. When Peter Jennings, the ABC-TV anchor, fin-
ished his keynote speech at the Long Island Coali-
tion for Fair Broadcasting's luncheon last week,
the audience expected him to be thanked with
some small memento. But in the hands of Abby
Kenigsberg, the director of the coalition, were no
ordinary plaques. Two Long Island businesses had
taken the opportunity to promote their companies
with gifts for Mr. Jennings. Olympus, the camera
manufacturer, gave the broadcaster the first of a
new camera line. The Americana Shopping Center
offered a crystal boat from Tiffany's. The store
will soon open in the Manhasset center. Appearing
a bit disconcerted, Mr. Jennings asked if both gifts
were worth under $25. Then he donated the camera
to a person he had met during the cocktail hour,
Dawn Zimmerman of the Child Development Cen-
ter of the Hamptons. "Auction it off and raise some
money for your center," he told her. The Tiffany
boat, he kept. The gifts to the keynoter could start
a new trend on Long Island - the luncheon com-
mercial.
THE
STAR
SHINE
FOR ALL
I-8
The East Hampton Star, May 7, 1998
NEWS OF THE
SCHOOLS
Development Center
The Child Development Center of
the Hamptons took center stage at an
awards ceremony sponsored by the
Long Island Coalition for Fair Broad-
casting last week. For its story on the
Child Development Center, CBS
News received a FOLIO Award, pre-
sented to print journalists and radio
and television stations for outstand-
ing coverage of Long Island. Peter
Jennings, the keynote speaker at the
event, recognized the school's exec-
utive director, Dawn Zimmerman,
for her dedication and accomplish-
ments.
The school now has 29 students -
twice the number enrolled when the
school opened in September. To as-
sist with fund-raising for the school's
building fund, students have been
practicing their rendition of Maurice
Sendak's "Where the Wild Things
Are," which will be presented at a
benefit this summer. The building
fund got a big boost recently, when
Ronald Perelman pledged $500,000.
The center will meet for potential
volunteers on Saturday at 10:45 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to assist with
summer fund-raising and other pro-
jects.
Bagels and coffee will be served at
the meeting, to be held at the school,
which occupies the former Most
Holy Trinity School on Meadow Way
in the Village of East Hampton.
-
Dan's Papers
Largest Weekly Circulation in the Hamptons plus Special Manhattan Delivery
DAN'S PAPERS. March 20, 1998. Page 38
ART COMMENTARY
ARTS-IN-EDUCATION
by Marion Wolberg Weiss
do, where to stand when we do a certain movement."
(Part II in a series devoted to public and private arts-
Art can also be important in other private institu-
in-education )
It's obvious that the arts can build self-confidence
tions, like day camps, as well: one such example is
Creativity exists in all kinds of educational settings,
for any child, no matter what his/her abilities. Jaqui
Camp Karole run by the Jewish Center of the Hamptons.
although America has a long way to go before art
Leader, who directed the Center's recent production
Last year's program demonstrated how an art program
becomes part of every citizen's life - no matter what
of Peter and the Wolf, would no doubt be the first to
can have goals that go beyond normal expectations -
the setting. We tend to categorize where we think art
agree with that assessment. But the arts can go well
that art is not necessarily just "fun" or an excuse to
should and should not reside, obviously
beyond developing a positive self image.
make a mess.
placing it most often in the public
For the Center's art teacher John
Bobi MinaMora, Camp Karole's former Director and
schools' curriculum. No argument there,
Pomianowski, students learn what it's
herself an art professor at New York's Parsons School
except it's never really considered an
like to handle materials, expecially clay
of Design where she's been for over 20 years, explains
essential "academic" course like math;
and "to sit in their chair for the whole
art's function. "I organized fine arts field trips around
art is also frequently the first victim
class." For dance teacher Mary Ponsini,
East Hampton, one being to the local pond so that the
of budget cuts, yet people give lip service
movement helps the Center's children
older children could get experience painting the land-
to its importance.
discover their body, noting that "the
scape. But I encouraged them to paint the water's
How about art in private educational
developmentally-impaired lack a literal
reflection, not to draw what they saw in a realistic
programs where creative experiences
sense of self. Dance allows them to see
way." Ms. MinaMora incorporated these sessions with
don't serve the usual, often extra-cur-
their body as a three-dimensional entity.
lectures, slide shows and instructions on mixing colors,
ricular functions - where art is funda-
We also teach them to like their bodies,
proving that even eight and nine year-olds weren't
mental to the goals of the institution
Mary Ponsini with children
that it's o.k. to have a different kind of
afraid to take on new challenges.
and its students?
body from the person next to them."
While Marcia Winter held daily arts and crafts classes
Such is the case with the newly organized Child
A recent Friday morning class proved Ms. Ponsini's
for all the campers, there was a "method in her
Development Center of the Hamptons, an early inter-
point about body awareness, as the children gleefully
madness" as well - where even three-year-olds learned
vention program for three-five year olds with special
engaged in stretching, hand-clapping, dancing like
to focus, listen and respect each other. Both collective
educational needs. Here alternative therapies. like art,
horses at a rodeo and feeling their own heartbeats
and individual projects also taught the children to use
dance, music and theatre are significant parts of the
afterwards. It was also apparent that kinetic leaning
a variety of materials.
curriculum. But children with Downs Syndrome and
facilitates cognitive learning. As Ms. Ponsini explains,
Once again, art education proves it can accomplish
Autism aren't the only pupils who benefit; the Center
"Movement enhances memory, not only sensory feeling.
a myriad of special goals in all kinds of environments
also has several pupils who do not have any disabilities.
It's wonderful to see how children remember: what to
-Marion Wolberg Weiss
THE
STAR
HINE
FOR ALL
The East Hampton Star, January 15, 1998
gram. So, as our son turned 3 years
old. we knew we would have to look
for other options.
We met Dawn Zimmerman about
LETTERS
two years ago. We heard from our
son's therapist that a local woman had
TO THE EDITOR
started a special ed play group called
Jumpstart. We immediately enrolled
him. At that time, there were a hand-
ful of children- in a rented space in
Goodfriend Park. From that begin-
ning came what is called the Child
Development Center of the Hamp-
tons.
We can't say how much we owe
Educational Milestone
Dawn. She has, through her tireless
efforts. given us a precious gift.
Springs
January 8, 1998
Knowing that our son is in an edu-
cational program of excellent quality
To The Editor:
and especially right in our commu-
In a time when most people are
nity has given us real peace of mind.
writing letters of criticism and attack,
Our son's progress in his new
we are writing this letter to publicly
preschool has amazed us all. He has
thank some people.
truly blossomed in five short months.
Our first son was born three years
With the help of many dedicated
ago and was diagnosed with Down
people, a milestone in special educa-
syndrome. Not only had we become
tion has been crossed on the East
parents, we had become advocates.
End of Long Island. We celebrate
We felt very alone and over-
this vision of quality education and
whelmed with this great responsi-
bility as we faced what seemed to be
quality of life for all the special needs
children of the Hamptons and their
a constant societal prejudgment of
families and we thank Dawn Zim-
our son.
merman and all those who support-
As he grew, we eventually met oth-
er East End families who shared a
ed her in making it all happen.
similar story. Each felt. that there
-With love and gratitude,
were little to no services for our chil-
JAN and JOHN HALLSTEIN
dren other than the early intervention
Proud parents of Willem Kai Hallstein
program that sends therapists into the
home. We felt isolated in our com-
munity.
As their children reached preschool
age (3 years), most had to transport
them to the Board of Cooperative
Educational Services in Westhamp-
ton, a three-hour round trip - daily.
That all ended this past July when
BOCES closed its preschool pro-
1/98
Parent Magazine NY
Big Apple Award.
Our Own Local Heroes
II commemorating our 13th anniversary, we've presented notables
I
in a variety of fields who are having an Impact on quality of life
Dawn Zimmerman
for city families. But we are well aware that for each of them.
(Executive Director, The Child
there are many more 'ordinary people', folks like you and us, who are
Development Center of the Hamptons)
living lives that also make A significant difference. So we asked you,
Nominated by Michaela Kennedy, who
our readers, to tell us about your personal heroes - those whom you
says, "Dawn, the mother of an eight-
admire. love and respect for what they quietly do for others and for
year old autistic son, has started a com-
how their lives make things n little bit better for those around them.
munity based preschool for children with
And you did. From teachers to family members to other role models,
disabilities. The Child Development
here are the people who affect your lives. who are your inspirations,
Center is actually a private, non-profit,
who are your - and therefore, our - local heroes
special education school open to the gen-
cial public so that anyone can attend.
The Center came just in time - the only
other existing local program for develop-
mentally challenged preschoolers had
been closed due to cuts in government
funding. Before the Center, parents had to bus their children an hour-and a hall
each way. Dawn works tirelessly for these children and provides a wonderlul
program she's unstoppable. She is really inspired by her love and apprecia-
tion of these kids."
Says Dawn Zimmerman: "I was affected by something that happened in my life.
which is my son, and il was turning a negative into a positive. Not that it was a
negative I don't like to say 'negative' because it's really not; it's a positive. It
has helped me grow as a person, and it has given me the strength and the desire
to help other children."
#
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NEW YORK POST, WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997
NEAL TRAVIS'
NEWYORK
Charity in Wonderland
WHILE Ron Perelman has pledged $500,000 to
the Child Development Center of the Hamptons, it
will only cost the general public $50 a head Sunday
to assist this special school for autistic and Down
Syndrome kids.
Local restaurants like Basilico, the Maidstone
Arms, Della Femina and Nick & Toni's are provid-
ing the food for what's billed as a Wonderland Tea
Party in the glorious gardens of artist Robert
Dash's Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack.
Some of those expected at the 2-to-5 p.m. benefit
include Roy Lichtenstein, Kurt Vonnegut, J. Sew-
ard Johnson, Larry Rivers, Michael Nouri and
Aidan Quinn, all of whom have designed teapots
and other Alice in Wonderland objects to be auc-
tioned during the afternoon. (For tickets, call (516)
267-0133.)
Dan's Papers
Largest Weekly Circulation in the Hamptons plus Special Manhattan Delivery
DAN'S PAPERS. February 13. 1998. Page 34
review: peter and the wolf
If a person didn't know any better, he/ she would
anticipation for Cabaret or The Capeman. Instead.
been open since this September, it's obvious that
think they had stumbled into the opening of a
it was a performance of Peter and the Wolf by
its Theatre Arts program is off to a wonderful start
Broadway play last Sunday afternoon at East
the Child Development Center of the Hamptons
with this production. What's wonderful as well is
Hampton's Guild Hall - so obvious was the
that was causing such boisterous noise and a large
the fact that such a school. which caters to three-
excitement and standing-room only atmosphere.
crowd.
to-five year olds with special educational needs.
But the hullabaioo wasn't being generated by
While the Child Development Center has only
centers on alternative learning opportunities. of-
fering programs in theatre. dance, music and art.
Executive Director Dawn Zimmerman has a
special connection to the Center. "When I moved
to Amagansett from Los Angeles, the closest school
for my son was three hours away, round trip.
on a bus," she says frankly. "I found that there
were other parents experiencing the same prob-
lem. so there was nothing to do but start a school.
You have to go with what you believe in."
Luckily, Ms. Zimmerman was able to rent four
classrooms at the Holy Trinity Church for her
Pre-School program: the Town of East Hampton
has donated eight acres of land for a future.
permanent base. It seems a good decision on East
Hampton's part. As Ms. Zimmerman notes. "It's
expensive to send a child to a private facility:
it was costing $20,000 a year per child for
transportation alone. not to mention up to $90.000
a year for tuition."
It goes without saying that The Child Devel-
opment Center isn't merely a good financial
venture. It functions to provide children with
"quality of life" and skill building experiences in
a warm and loving atmosphere.
Participating in Peter and the Wolf meant other
advantages for the children. like improving their
self-image and providing practice at working
(Continued on page 38)
Review
(Continued from page 34)
together. It also benefited some students from the
tume design. and the Chamber Orchestra of the
Ross School. who volunteered to help the young-
East End's music, the children soared. And so
sters by appearing in the play, too. It was apparent
did the audience.
that everyone on and off the stage was having
An aprés-play luncheon at Kay LeRoy's Amagansett
a good time.
home (with food donated by the Sagg Main Store)
Part of the reason for this "good time" is also
not only extended such euphoria. but also proved
because Peter and the Wolf establishes an im-
as warm and inviting as the play experience itself.
mediate identification with both the music and
And while Larry Rivers and the Climax Band did
the animal characters. Everyone, no matter what
not furnish classical music at the lunch like Peter
his/her disposition. culture or age, can appreciate
and the Wolf's, it was still "classical" in its own
its univerality. Under Jaqui Leader's inspired
way. And most definately "universal." just like the
direction. Karyn Mannix's imaginative set/cos-
play.
-Marion Woiberg Weiss
BULK RATE
PERMIT #6
New Housing Authority Questions Raised. (Page 13.)
US POSTAGE PAID
EAST HAMPTON NY 11937
THE
EAST HAMPTON
INDEPENDENT
Vol. V No. XXIII
February 4, 1998
FREE
February 4, 1998
The Independent
B-3
"HEARD AROUND THE TOWN"
Independent/Jan Marie Mackin
Getting ready for the production of Peter and the Wolfare (L to R) Marc Hernandez. Michael McCay-Scholl, and Russell Young. The production is on Sunday at Guild Hall. Proceeds will
benefit the East Hampton Child Development Center.
PERMIT #6
New Housing Authority Questions Raised. (Page 13.)
US POSTAGE PAID
EAST HAMPTON NY 11937
THE
EAST HAMPTON
INDEPENDENT
February 11, 1998
The Independent
B-3
"HEARD AROUND THE TOWN"
"
Compiled by Tracey Anne Crehan
Independent Jan Marie Mackin
On Sunday. Kay LeRoy presided over a luncheon at the LeRoy estate in Amagansett to
benefit the Child Development Center of the Hamptons. following the group's presentation
of Peter and the Wolf.
THE
TON
SHINES
STAR
FOR ALL
VOL. CX, NO. 27 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1998 EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. SINGLE COPY $1
Sunday brought a benefit production of
Morgan McGivern Photos
"Peter and the Wolf," top and bottom right, for the Child Development Center, starring young actors from the
center. In between, from left, Dawn Zimmerman poses with Kay LeRoy, Larry Rivers, and Jacqui Leader at a
lunch after the show.
The Back Page
HE EAST HAMPTON STAR
SHINES
FOR ALL
The Back Page
23
33
X
still
Gurney's
CHIN Developm
of the H:
267-
I
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS, angels, clowns, and toy soldiers danced in the eyes of children from the
Child Development Center of the Hamptons who attended last Thursday's holiday festival sponsored by
Gurney's Inn in Montauk. Santa was there, too, and Cassandra Scanlon, bottom right. Lunch, games, and
lots of music were part of the fun.
Morgan McGivern Photos
The Maidstoners challenge you to help challenged kids
By playing us a nine inning game of fast-pitch softball
Where: Terry King Ballfield, Abraham's Path, Amagansett
When: 6-9pm games starting Monday, September 7th, 1998 until we run out of
challengers.
How: Field a team of 10 players for 9 innings and bring a minimum of $1000 in
sponsorship for The Child Development Center
Who: Any team of any caliber. If you want to participate and don't have a team call us
and we'll get you on one as long as you bring a $100 of sponsorship for the charity
Or: Sponsor the Maidstoners. Pledge a dollar amount for every game we play or pick
an individual Maidstoner and pledge a dollar amount per inning that he plays.
For: The Child Development Center of the Hamptons. All money raised will go
toward building a school in EH for local children challenged by handicaps such as
Downs Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and emotional problems.
These kids currently have to travel up to 3 hrs. a day to a school in Westhampton.
With a little help from a lot of locals we can help make this dream of a local school a
reality. Help us help them.
The event is occurring with the full support of the town of
EH and the Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call Peter at The Talk-
house, 267-3117. Sponsored by the Stephen Talkhouse
Choosing 'Special' Mothers
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pres-
sures and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children.
Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propa-
gation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to
make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Majorie, daughter, patron
saint, Cecilia."
"Rudledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint
give her Gerard. He's used to profan-
ity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does
not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-
pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare
and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own
world. She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles, "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough
selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness, is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never
survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She
doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spo-
ken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'Momma'
for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it. When she describes a
tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will
see it as a few people ever see my cre-
ations."
"I will permit her to see clearly the
things I see
ignorance, cruelty, preju-
dice
and allow her to rise above these.
She will never be alone. I will be at her
side every minute of every day of her life
because she is doing my work as surely
as she is by my side."
"And what about her patron saint?"
asks the angel, his pen poised in midair.
God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."
Reprinted with permission of Erma Bombeck.
REACHING THE INNER CHILD
BY MELISSA A. WEISMAN
awn Zimmerman says she has two children. Her first
school promise to offer alternative modes of education to chil-
child is Jon. a bubbly, handsome boy who was diagnosed
dren. including setting up a farmer's market on the grounds. The
at age two with autism. Dawn's second child is the Child
children. with the help of volunteers. will grow. pick and sell veg-
Development Center of the Hamptons. an organization
etables. "We want kids to develop life skills. This is a great
which fights for the recognition and support of handicapped chil-
opportunity for them to gain self confidence and improve their
dren on the East End.
socializing abilities." remarks Zimmerman. The school will also
Z
Shortly after moving to the Hamptons from California in 1992.
focus on developing "alternative therapy" which includes inven-
Dawn realized that the BOCES school in Westhampton Beach is
tive theater. art and music programs.
the only institution available to
By lobbying the town of East
children with learning disabili-
Hampton mercilessly and peti-
ties. The long drive for most
tioning for support from some
children means hours of
of the most powerful political
uncomfortable and sometimes
and social figures. Zimmerman
distressing commuting.
has generated a wealth of posi-
Zimmerman took it into her
tive response for the beneficial
own hands to bring about some
cause. The recent donation of
necessary changes to radically
$500.000 by Ron Perlman.
improve the status of handi-
who loves children. has rein-
capped children in the heart of
forced the hope of bringing
our community.
about change among the vol-
In 1995. Zimmerman, a resi-
unteers working for the Child
dent of East Hampton. estab-
Development Center.
lished a special after school
On Sunday. July 13, the
program called Jump Start. in
Child Development Center
which handicapped children
held a tea party. chaired by
have the opportunity to gather
Nancy Manser. at Robert
twice a week and become
Dash's Madoo Conservancy in
Dawn Zimmerman and her son Jon.
Model for the Child Development Center's proposed school.
friends. Drawing together children of all ages and varying abili-
Sagaponack. to raise money for the organization. An auction of
ties has fueled Zimmerman's commitment to bring equal oppor-
"Alice in Wonderland" tea pots and tea time accessories made
tunity to disadvantaged kids. "I am now working on building a
by famous artist was a highly successful kick-off event.
special school for children between the ages of 3 and 21. The
Donations can be sent directly to Dawn Zimmerman. Child
town of East Hampton has generously agreed to donate eight
Development Center. 136 Main Street. P.O. Box 7115
Early Intervention Is Key in Special Ed
VIEWPOINTS
cannot make the child normal, then it doesn't
about the educational outcomes. Inclusion is based
By Ellenmorris Tiegerman
work and it isn't worth the money." The reality'
on the notion of social benefit, not academic learn-
N UNPRECEDENTED ASSAULT on Long
is that special education is alternative learning
ing. The result is going to be an educational reduc-
A
Island's special education programs has
that provides each child with an opportunity for
tion in the goals and standards achieved by children
been launched by Newsday that is so bi-
meeting his potential - which may not be nor-
in inclusive classrooms because of the increased
ased, mean-spirited and destructive to the public's
mal functioning.
diversity of children in these classrooms.
understanding of complex issues that one can only
It is immoral and abhorrent to say that if a
The more diverse the children, the less the Indi-
conclude Newsday is engaged in a calculated cam-
child cannot be "fixed to be normal," then is
vidual instruction; the very nature of classroom
paign fueled by the State Education Department
not worth the time, the effort or the money. Is
learning will change for all students. The regular
to dismantle special education without regard to
this a Department of Education? Really?
teacher will have to spend a significant amount of
the facts or its impact on the children.
If there were no
time away from the non-
In defending special education programs and
early intervention pro-
disabled children to
in the interest of fairness and honesty, a num-
grams, the 37,000 pre-
meet the needs of the
ber of points need to be presented.
school children within
'Once a problem has been
disabled children, or the
The most severe criticisms made by Newsday
the present system
disabled children will be
regard the cost of the preschool system, and yet
would enter kinder-
identified in a preschool
turned over to aides
preschool teachers earn significantly less than
garten with a marked
(rather than special edu-
public school teachers in our region. Private school
disability. Once a
child, it is immoral
cation teachers), who
special education costs less than public school spe-
child enters special
will act as monitors.
cial education. Preschool special education costs
education at the
to require a family
Let us be clear: The
less than school-age special education.
school age level, the
function of education is
Given all the child development research, ear-
educational costs in-
to wait for services.'
academic learning and
ly intervention represents an educational "vac-
crease astronomically.
academic excellence.
cine" for children. Early intervention offsets se-
Older children have
Education is not recrea-
vere and pervasive long-term learning problems
more profound disabil-
tion. Inclusion means
for children with developmental disabilities and
children at risk for disabilities.
ities and require more services. Older children are
that all disabled children should be placed in gener-
more at risk for behavioral emotional disorders.
al classrooms and that special education should be
Are we a moral society? If we are, then we
cannot take a position that says "wait and see"
"Two-thirds of all children who come before the
dismantled. There can be no debate that the results
Family Court for delinquency or status offenses
will create havoc in the classroom.
for children. Once a problem has been identified
suffer from undiagnosed learning disabilities," ac-
Special education is a safety net for children who
in a preschool child, it is immoral to require a.
cording to Judge Francis Murphy, writing in the
cannot benefit and cannot learn in the general set-
family to wait for services or to deny a child
early intervention. It is important for all of us
New York Law Journal in 1995.
ting. To dismantle special education removes the
to understand that we cannot undo retardation.
Newsday focuses on dismantling special educa-
safety net for children, teachers and parents. The
Children with developmental disabilities have
tion for the sake of "inclusion." There is no long-
assumption that inclusion works for all children is a
lifelong learning problems. A managed-care ap-
term educational, experimental or clinical research
terrible experiment that New York State cannot
proach to education says, "If special education
that supports the efficacy of inclusive education for
afford to engage in.
either disabled children or nondisabled children.
Much like its demand for inclusion, Newsday's
Since there is no research base, why is inclusion
11-part series on special education is, regrettably,
Ellenmorris Tiegerman, executive director of
being "rammed" into the schools, especially in light
filled with 80 many inaccuracies it would take an-
the School for Language and Communication
of the fact that inclusive education costs two to
other 11 essays to refute the positions point by
Development and professor of psychology at
three times more than special education?
point. In the end Newsday has created a sad, undis-
Adelphi University, is the author of "Collabo-
Putting the issue of money aside, there is also a
tinguished report that does no honor to the paper
rative Decision Making: The Pathway to In-
moral question about the educational effects of in-
whose slogan suggests, "Where there is no vision
clusion." Bob Wiemer is on vacation.
clusive education on children when we are not clear
the people perish."
The Independent
lanuary 22. 1997
BOCES Backs Out of Special Ed
By Nancv Hyden Woodward
Zimmerman. lounder of Child Develop-
Pataki appears to be saving that the
ment Center 01 the Hamptons. said.
rological disorders. The vounger they
The administration of Eastern Suf-
state will not finance 115 disability chil-
Zimmerman nas been hard at work'
are. the more receptive they will be to
folk BOCES has recommended that its
for more than a vear to open a local
dren when they exceed a district cap."
learning. But. sne emphasized. They
service to preschool-ace children with
not-for-prollt. private "but open to the
disabilities be terminated. The notice
The Formula
are not going to learn DV absorbing what
public' preschool special ed program.
that the BOCES Board would take this
Based on studies. that cap has been
IS around them. They are coine to learn
A major reason for the BOCES move
what you put into them.'
step was sent to local school districts
set at 12 percent per district. A district
IS money. 'It's program has been run-
Sag Harbor School Superintendent
last Fridav.
whose disabled student population ex-
ning in the red because of the state's
Dr. John Barnes said. This IS of great
The memorandum from Eastern
ceeds the 12 percent will be liable for
method of payment." Johnson said.
concern to me. We are going to end up
Suffoik BOCES president Dr. Bruce G.
The state IS not abandoning funding
costs over the cap. The preschool spe-
with the cost being shifted to the local
Broaskv stated that BOCES had to act
cial ed program has 282 children en-
this education. It has restructured Its
tax base."
immediately because It was in violation
rolled. with tuition costs $29.800 each.
rate of payment and It is not to BOCES's
of a recent state mandate that required
advantage."
Fogarty, who helped start the pro-
Early Intervention
each provider of preschool special edu-
gram 20 years ago. said that he has
Barnes called the BOCES compo-
cation to submit to the State Depart-
Extra Costs
spoken to both county and state offi-
nent "only one piece of the action."
ment of Education by January 1 either
clais on how the new funding method
At present. the preschool program
Theoreucally he said. the same service
its business plan to continue the pro-
is funded equally bv Suffolk County and
is affecting BOCES. "But they just tell
could be bought somewhere else. but
cram or its "shut-down pian" If the pro-
the state. According to Dr. Philip Wood.
me.' he said. that the wav It going
practically. he thinks that will be very
cram was coing to enc.
Deputy Superintendent of Eastern
to be. The formula IS based on limiting
difficult. "We don t have a regular pre-
Dr. Brodskv noted that BOCES had
BOCES. the state has decided to give
their expense to this area. Bv setung
school for disabled youngsters. but it
hopec to defer a decision until It had a
up a formula that is beneficial to the
BOCES a prospective rate for a ftscal
would not be unreasonable for the
chance to interact with state legislators
state and the county. we have to re-
school year. The rate that it decides on
school districts to establish a consor-
and local boards of education on the
structure or stop."
for a coming year does not take into
state 5 new restrictions on special edu-
Fogarty said that BOCES did re.
ua to care for the preschool special ed
account extra costs that may be real-
children."
cauon. At present. 292 children are in
structure three years ago. but not even
tzed through increased oil and electric-
the Eastern BOCES preschool special
itv rates that could go up overnight. and
that sausfied the state. Trying to play
education program. One hundred and
cost of living expenses for staff. costs
catch-up is comparable to chasing one
While BOCES has been the main and
eight one of them should move on to
that will not be reimbursed. Neither
tail. "We just can 1 keep It going." he
most prominent provider 01 such pro-
said.
grams. other programs are available.
kindergarten level next year. Dr.
does It consider the interest rate
Broaskv said. leaving 101 to be placed
($400.000 this year) on money that It
Unlike school districts which can
albeit most of them larther up the 15-
bv their school districts in "appropri-
borrows from banks to meet its finan-
turn to the local taxpayers and ask
land. St. Charles Hospital has intro-
cial obligations.
them if they would help in an emer-
duced a satellite program in South-
ate provider settings.
gency. BOCES does not have that
ampton. Its Early intervenuon Program
"It 5 going to put a lot of pressure on
That comes out to a very large
school districts to pick up the slack."
"luxury." Its program IS a service that
is a half-day integrated program in Sa-
chunk of money." said James Fogarty.
cred Hearts oi Jesus and Mary Church.
the Sag Harbor Director of Pupil Per-
Superintendent of Occupational and
is contracted through the county and
Special Education for Eastern BOCES.
the state which set the rate of reim-
Integrated into its regular preschool
sonne. Dr. Dan Alvino. said.
In addition. BOCES has had to wait
bursement. Most of the time. the money
classes are chudren with disabilities.
More Notice
18 months to two years to receive pay-
is not paid up front or. for that matter.
think It's a good idea." Montauk
ment for Its services. That's the way it
even near the start of the annual pro-
The answers to several questions will
School Superintendent Jack Perna
always has worked." Fogarty said. "We
gram. After laying out the money up
have to wait. including can St. Charies
said. "We need to have programs closer
front. through one means or another.
can't ask our staff and our services to
absorb any or all of the 101 special ed
to home."
BOCES spends the next 12 to 24
preschoolers on the East End who will
wait two years for their payments."
Tis going to leave a big hole that we
To offset this. Wood said. BOCES has
months trying to collect It from the
be affected by BOCES's decision? And
will have to nil.- Mary Johnson. chair
state.
borrowed from the banks to meet the
what about any or all of the younger
of the Bridgehampton School Commit-
bill. The interest. If included in the rate.
Under the state's new funding for-
children who would be coming into it.
tee o: Preschool Education. said.
ultimately is paid by taxpayer money
mula. the wait is going to be longer.
but whose numbers are unknown at
We've been expecung it. We just
which. had it arrived at an earlier time.
Fogarty said. On top of that. the state
this time? Would there be room for
hopea we could have another year."
would not have caused the loan to be
has put a cap on the percentage of spe-
them? St. Charles's director. Ariene
Lucy Bernard. Springs School's chair
made. If it isn repaid by the state from
cial ed children It will support per
Murtha. is out of town until next Mon-
of Committee on Special Education.
school district.
tax money. the interest due sends
day.
said.
BOCES deeper into debt. When the sum
"BOCES is made up of truly won-
*I wish they given us more nouce."
to be paid has been "minimal." Wood
derful. dedicated people." said Alese
East Hampton School District Super-
said. BOCES has charged staff ex-
Hodgens. the parent of a five-vear-old
Many eyes on the East End will be
intendent Noel McStav said. To fully
boy with learning disabilities. The
penses on paper to its school-age pro-
turning toward Dawn Zimmerman. who
evaluate the impact that BOCES's ac-
gram.
people in Albany are sitting in their
has been working closely with the
uon will have on the South Fork pre-
Wood called it a Catch-22 situation
chairs. playing politics. They have no
school districts on her plans. "All our
school children with special needs. the
for BOCES. Because of the state's re-
idea what It Is like for the child with a
applications are in place." she said yes-
Suberintendents of the Southampton
neurological disorder or what It is like
and East Hampton School Districts will
structuring of its finances. Wood said.
terday. T'm trying to find a location."
for the family of that child."
BOCES could be looking at an S1 mil-
She is negotiating with several places.
meet tomorrow.
lion shortfall for the 1996-97 year alone.
Hodgens. who said that she was
she said. and is unable to divulge any-
Mr phone has been ringing off the
speaking "strictly as a mother. not as
thing more specific about the process.
hook all dav. from North and South
"We have no legal way to make up that
money." he said. "As of now. the school
anyone with a degree in child develop-
With 100 resumes from which to
Fork people who are very upset." Dawn
districts are not responsible for it.
ment" called the window of opportu-
choose to staff her program. she feels
nity very small for children with neu-
very confident that something will be
in place by July. "School for most spe-
cial ed children is year-round." she
said. "not nine or 10 months."
Zimmerman said that she will start
small with tuition support from the
state. and hope to build on the program
gradually to one that services all school
ages. That portion of her plan would be
funded through corporations.
"In the meanume. she said. "I have
to rent or lease to take care of the um-
mediate problem." Zimmerman does
not know how many children her fledg-
ling program will be able to handle. "I
am going to try to get as much room as
possible. but It all depends on the ne-
godations."
DAN'S PAPERS, July 18, 1997, Page 43
After BOCES
With Disabled Kids Program Cut, New Center is Coming to East Hampton
On Friday afternoon, I sat in the Child Devel-
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handi-
And then I thought even more about WIIO this
opment Center of the Hamptons located on the
capped child to a mother who does not know
lady Dawn was; she was coming more and more
quaint Main Street of Amagansett. I was to meet
laughter? That would be cruel."
into focus. I admired her independence, her
the executive director of the center, Dawn
When I read that Erma Bombeck had written
delermination, her sense of humor, and above all
Zimmerman, who I discovered spearheaded the
it, I got the chills. I always felt a connection to
her big heart. And I knew all this about her before
establishment of a new center for disabled chil-
Erma Bombeck and then I realized that Dawn
we even sat down at her desk and met.
dren. On the table in the window, was her dream-
may have felt the same connection.
Dawn told me that she moved here from L.A.
a scale model of a 2,8000n. school, which for now
Then I noticed a framed photograph hanging
in 1992. She said her son, Jon, who is now 7,
is just made of little plastic schoolrooms and buses.
on the wall of a little boy wading in still water
was diagnosed with autism al two and a half years
But as I would later find out, by Dawn's tenacity,
old. At the age of three, Jon started going to
this dream WILL come true-it has to-especially
since the Eastern Suffolk Board of Cooperative
Dawn never real-
BOCES in Westhampton Beach. They had a good
program, but many parents were not happy about
Educational Services just CUT the Preschool
program for disabled kids, from Montauk to
ized just what these
the busing. Some kids actually spent over two
and a half hours on the bus-one way.
Bridgehampton. It seems antiquated, in the 90's,
when we all know how important 'early inter-
kids were missing
Dawn never realized just what these kids were
missing until a couple of Christmases ago, when
vention' is for these children with special needs,
until a couple of
she found herself hurrying to get home in time
to be left with nothing.
for Jon's bus. Ironically, when she reached the
I waited in Dawn's office for her to arrive. We
Christmases ago.
main street in East Hampton, perhaps one of the
had never met, and I had never put a face on
most picturesque spots in the world, she found
her label of 'executive director.' But I noticed
herself in her car right behind her son's bus. She
things around the office while I waited. On the
just above his ankles; his arms stretched out
saw the background of all the children ice-skating
walls above me, I studied the sensitive faces
behind him as he bent over, getting a closer look
on the pond. And then she saw the back of her
painted on huge canvases of beautiful children
at his own reflection. I wondered what he was
son's head. She looked back at the ice-skaters
with searching eyes.
thinking as I was getting a closer look at him.
again, and then saw her son's face pressed against
Then I read things lying around the office. One
Then Nikki, Dawn's assistant, told me that the
the bus's window. That was Jon's world, where
hing I read was titled, "Choosing 'Special'
little boy was Dawn's son, Jon, who has autism.
he spent half his days-on a bus. lle never got
Mothers." It said that this year nearly 100,000
My heart skipped a beat.
to spend time in town.
vomen will become mothers of handicapped
Under the photograph there was a poem and
In fact, in the town where 'all the beautiful
hildren. It asked if you ever wondered how
some of the lines read:
people go' you never see a disabled child on the
nothers of handicapped children are chosen: God
A meeting was held quite far from earth
streets.
asses a name to the angel, who makes a note
It's time again for another birth,
Dawn decided from that day on she would do
it in his giant ledger. He gives a daughter to
Said the angels to the Lord above
ne, to another a son, another a set of twins, and
something about it. And she has not stopped
This special child will need much love.
working since. She recently received a very
hen he says to the angel, as he smiles, "Give
And he'll require extra care
generous donation of $500,000 from Ronald
er a handicapped child." The angel is curious.
FROM ALL THE FOLKS HE MEETS DOWN
Perelman of East Hampton, but she still has a
Why this one, God? She's so happy."
THERE
(Continued on page 50)
DAN'S PAPERS, July 18, 1997, Page 50
Boces
(Continued from page 43)
the school. People will see that the main goal of
this is to get them involved with life skills. People
way to go, as the building of the proposed school
will learn how this approach will help them with
on Industrial Road in East Hampton will cost
self-esteem, confidence, and socialization skills.
approximately $5 million.
But will people remember? Perhaps if they just
Again, I thought of the poem-"He'll require
remember the schoolbus scene: Think about the
extra care, from ALL the folks he meets down
child on the bus again. Picture the child sitting
there." And I hoped that ALL the folks will help
on the bus. Now picture this child turning around
support these children.
to look at you. Now this child has your own child's
People could be told all about the wonderful
face
that is one way to REMEMBER these
programs which they will offer in the school,
children.
including a cultural environment of drama, dance
-Janet Berg
and movement, music, and art therapy. And
FUND-RAISER HELD JULY 13TH
people will learn about the program to have a
Sunday, there was an afternoon "Tea in Won-
farmer's market open from Memorial Day through
fall, with these kids running it, selling vegetables
derland" held at the Madoo Conservancy in
Sagaponack. There were many women in straw
and flowers and regenerating the money back into
hats and men in pale-colored suits, sipping tea
and getting lost in the maze of Robert Dash's
gardens. Indeed, I was reminded of Alice in
Wonderland looking for that rabbit; lined up along
the hedges were the hand-painted tea pots dis-
played by many local artists and waiting to be
auctioned off by Sotheby's.
Also looking like she just stepped out of a
storybook, Carole Pichney, the author of How to
Serve A Proper Victorian Tea was in the gazebo
wearing her Victorian dress and carrying a lace
parasol.
Chairpersons involved are Judy Licht, Jon
Scanlon, Sandra Stetson Schifter, Debrah SRB,
Country Magazine, Alvenia Bridges, Bridget LeRoy,
Sherry Babb, Philipp Manser, Kip Usher, Nancy
Manser, Kris Liem and Kimberly Goff.
These people, along with many others helped
support the children. They too will be.
remembered.
THE
STAR
SHINES
ACC
VOL. CIX. NO. 24
THURSDAY. JANUARY 23. 1997 EAST HAMPTON. N.Y. SINGLE COPY S1
Special Ed In Limbo
Parents of handicapped presenool-
dren's programs. costs formeriv
Brodskv said. He said the board had
crs will have to wait at least another
picked up by the state.
no wav of raising additional funds.
month to know whether their chil-
The Governor also wants to penal-
Several other BOCES boards have
dren will be able to continue attend-
ize disences that enroll more chan 11
terminated their preschool special cd
INE government-runded special edu-
percent of their students in special
programs. Dr. Brodskv noted. Buffa-
cation classes.
education classes. and he IS said to be
lo and Westenester among them.
The Eastern Suffolk Board of Co-
considering making districts finan-
operative Educational Services had
crailv and administratively responsi-
State Is Late
been expected to (erminate ICS spe-
ble for the testing and consultations
The cost of preschool special edu-
cial education program for children 3
that lead to these placements.
cation is shared by the state. which
to Tuesday nient but postponed
State and county monies now cov-
picks up 59.5 percent. and the coun-
the decision at the last minute. is
er these COSTS.
tv. which covers the balance. List
next meeting IS Feh. 25.
year. Governor Pataki's proposal to
The program serves 282 children
"Fiscally Impossible"
pass 10 percent of pre-K special ed-
from 53 districts. including 33 chil-
In eastern Suffolk. government-
ucation on to school districts failed to
dren who live cast of the Shinnecock
funded preschool special ed carries a
pass the State Legisiature.
Canai.
price UE this year of $7.82 million.
The county has paid BOCES in
In the month shead. special edu-
said Dr. Philip Wood. a depury
a timelv manner for the bills it nas
cators none to pressure state legisla-
BOCES supenntendent. More than
submitted. with oniv a smail portion
tors to reverse proposed budget cuts
65 percent of it goes to pay teachers.
of them in dispute." said Eugene
that tareet special cducation. BOCES
"We have 24 teachers and 17
Dumer. head of services to children
discontinued an cariv intervention
speech (eachers. all certified. with an
with disabilities at the Suffolk De-
program the handicanped babies and
average saiary of 577.000 a year." Dr.
partment of Health Services.
inquiers in lune 1994 for simuar reu-
Wood said.
Placing students in other programs
sons.
Delavs up to 18 months in state re-
"should not De 3 problem on the East
imbursements and the threat of fur-
End." Mr. Durney said. and will "not
State Cutbacks
ther state cuts "make It fiscally im-
be harmful to the children."
While touring a state budget that
possible to continue." said Dr. Bruce
At least a half-dozen facilities
would raise on crail school and bv 5302
G. Brodskv. the Eastem Suffolk BO-
and/or providers will probably be able
milion (and increase East Hamp-
CES president. He projected 1 loss
to offer suicable programs here. he
ton's and be about 580.000. up 8.5
of more than SI million should the
maintained. but declined to sav
percent). Gov. George Pataki has
program survive.
which.
proposed that school districts spend
"We don't want to let 20 of the pro-
The new Child Development
S71 million on hundicapped chil-
gram. but our hands are ned." Dr.
Continued On Page I-7
Special Ed
Another is reported to be Sc
Joseph Frascino. who heads the dis-
Michael's Lucheran Church in Ama-
trice's special ed program. was autho-
Continued From Page I-1
gansert.
rized to begin the state certification
Center of the Hamprons. a private
process.
Other Centers
nonprofit organization with offices in
However. Mr. McStav toid The
Plans now call for the kindergarten
Amagansen. has been raising funds
Star he staved Mr. Frascino's hand
to build a facility on Industrial Road.
to return to John Marshail on Feb. 24.
soon after. citing = "cumbersome ap-
after the February break. East
on land it would lease at low cost
plication process." the reimburse-
Hampton School Supermendent
from the town.
ment problem, and the fact that
Noel McSeav said on Mondav.
The center has received state ap-
"none of the parmership districts
Robert Grau. a member of Most
have come on board ver."
provai to start an eariv intervention
Holv Trinirv's finance committee.
program for handicapped East End
"We're going to have to look eise-
confirmed that he was talking with
children. birth to age 3. It also has ap-
where for placements for our chil-
the child development center. among
dren." said Mr. Frascino.
plied to run a pre-k special education
other schools and day care programs.
A good school here is "soretv need-
program.
"We'd like to do whatever we
"All we need is a location." said
ed." said Florence Keison of East
Dawn Zimmerman. the center's
could." for the development center.
Hampton. a special education con-
he said. but added that raiks were in
founder. who IS negotiating with var-
suicant to the county and a former
only initial scages.
ious organizations for space.
board member of Ms. Zimmerman
One of them IS the former Most
Also offering preschool special edu-
development center. However. -1
canon and cariv intervennon is the
Holv Trinicy School on Meadow
don't think Ease Hampoon (schooisi
Education and Therapeune Center of
Wav. where the East Hampton
will need a separate facility."
School District's kindergarten classes
St. Charles Hospital which opened its
"As a private citizen." she added.
doors in Southampton B SIX handi-
are meeting unai the John Marshall
"1 would rather see the kids referred
Elementary School's new kinder-
capped children in April 1995. Now.
to Dawn" than added to the district
according to Maureen Zapke the cen-
responsibilicies.
garten WINE is completed.
ter's coordinator. it nas an "integrat-
ed" enrollment of about 30 children.
Private Sources
with and without nandicaps. including
Dr. Brodskv said BOCES "will
several from South Fork districts.
work with local districts and private
The program rents space in Sacred
providers to find new placements
Hearts Roman Catholic Church on
for the children. "We are concerned."
Hill Screen the hospital is in Port Jef-
he remarked. "about whether the
ferson.
kids will get as fine an education."
Ms. Zimmerman said she has taiked
Not In District
with disences on both the South and
The East Hampton School District
North Forks. and esumated that there
considered starting Its own preschool
were "as many as 60 children" with
special education program at the
special needs. aged 3 to 5. who could
for the center's eariv intervention pro-
strictive environment." also required
Learning Center. where It launched
attend classes at her center.
gram. which is offered in the home.
by state law. Ms. Zimmerman has
a new prekinderzirten in September.
She aiso has identified at least 20
"Resumes are coming in like
said. her facility will offer a regular
At a recent School Board meeting.
East End infants. birth to 3. ciigible
crazv." she said. estimating "over
dav care program for children WITH-
100" to date. Since the news was
our handicaps. There's a loc of need
made public Fridav about Tuesdav's
here for dav care" she asserted.
BOCES action. her "phones have
been nnging off the hook." she said.
County Executive Robert E. Gaff-
with calls from parents.
ney IS said to consider the preschool
She expressed "some concern"
special educanonai programs a "drain"
about reimbursement from govern-
on the county. "Frankly," said Mr.
ment sources. which are required by
Dumey. "it is the only program I
law to "take care of these kids." she
know where the sumorizing agents.
said, but declared. "We'll deal with
that is the public school disences. have
that if we have to." She declined to
no financial scake - make no finan-
sav how much money the center has
cial contribution."
raised.
That's always problematic." he
In order to provide the "lease re-
said.
SUSAN ROSENBAUM
Special Ed:NowhereTo Go
State Education Department offi-
prospective special education stu-
recommendation by its Superinten-
cials insisted this week that "an or-
dents and "special education classes
dent, Dr. Edward Milliken, came as
derly transition" Was under way, but
in an integrated setting," meaning 10-
a result of a projected $1.5 million
parents of about 30 preschool special
gether with nonhandicapped chil-
shortfall in the program's budget this
education children from Montauk to
dren.
year.
Bridgehampton were not at all sure
Mr. Schachter said the state must
BOCES officials have said lower
about where their 3 to 5-year-olds
also review the center's budget and
reimbursement rates for professional
will go to school this summer and in
approve its leased quarters, at the for-
services and delayed payments from
September.
the state caused the deficit. State of-
mer Most Holy Trinity school build-
The Eastern Suffolk Board of Co-
ficials, however, claimed the program
ing on Meadow Way.
operative Educational Services de-
was too expensive and cited teacher
The center is raising funds to build
cided last week to close the doors of
salaries averaging more than $80,000.
its own facility on land leased from
The staff salaries at the Child De-
its 20-year-old preschool special edu-
the Town of East Hampton on In-
cation program in Westhampton
velopment Center will likely be a lot
dustrial Road. Ms. Zimmerman said
Beach on June 30. The action, antic-
lower, but fiscal constraints are in-
she hoped to break ground in the fall.
evitable. Tom Connors of Ama-
flar
ipated and postponed for more than
three months, returns preschool chil-
gansett, a founder and board mem-
dren with disabilities to their school
Can't Miss Classes
ber, said the center was conducting a
districts for placement.
Mr. Schachter declined to be
corporate and individual fund-raising
"We haven't heard from any school
pinned down on when the new
campaign and hoped to raise enough
Fit
districts about trouble placing chil-
school might appear on the state's
to plug any loophole in government
reimbursements.
4/17/97
dren," said Bruce Schachter of the
"approved" list. A review of its ap-
Education Department's regional of-
plication was to have taken place this
Wide Support
fice in Lindenhurst. "There are oth-
week by telephone, he said, with a
He noted that transportation costs
er programs available."
site visit by Education Department
for East End students - now aver-
officials likely "within the week."
aging $2,000 per month per child to
Hope For New School
East End school officials in East
the Westhampton Beach facility -
Not so, said at least one East End
Hampton, Springs, and Sag larbor
would be vastly curtailed, with par-
school board president, John Wyche
all told The Star this week that a
ents transporting their children local-
of Bridgehampton, who broke the
ly, or local school districts providing
number of students - those who
news Monday to his board and a
busing.
must go to school year-round to avoid
Mr. Connors said the program had
roomful of parents.
losing ground - will need placement
received widespread support from
"It's not comfortable or fair for the
by July 1. One Bridgehampton par-
school districts on both Forks as well
state to push individual school dis-
ent told Mr. Wyche at Monday's
as from public officials, including
tricts to deal with this program," he
meeting that her daughter regresses
Congressman Michael Forbes, Sena-
told them.
after a single week without classes.
tor-Patrick Moynihan, State Senator
As to what's in place for these chil-
Kenneth LaValle, Assemblyman
dren, said Mr. Wyche, "Right now,
Alternatives
Fred W. Thiele Jr., and the East
we have nothing."
-One of. the districts' and families'
"I thought the BOCES school
Hampton Town Board.
hopes is that the state will move
would stay open for another year,"
"We want to help the local com-
munity," said Mr. Connors.
quickly to approve the Child Devel-
said Ms. Zimmerman, adding that
SUSAN ROSENBAUM
opment Center of the I lamptons. For
almost two years, the not-for-profit
she has received calls from roughly
35 families "since last week."
group has been organizing a
Ms. Zimmerman said she has been
preschool in East Hampton for chil-
dren with - and without - disabil-
interviewing for the last two months
ities. Its capacity will be 60 students,
to hire a faculty of 24 full-time teach-
ers and aides and three administra-
including some who might come
tors. She said she had received a
from farther west or the North Fork.
number of resumes from the BOCES
Await State Approval
program's faculty.
Besides the development center,
The development center, headed
parents and districts can look to one
by Dawn Zimmerman of Ama-
other South Fork facility, the Educa-
gansett, has received state approval
tion and Therapeutic Center of Sr.
for a small portion of its program -
Charles Hospital in Southampton,
teachers who visit children with spe-
which can accommodate about 25
cial needs at home or in day care cen-
more children.
ters.
Also, Just Kids, a Wading River fa-
However, it is awaiting the state's
cility, has a branch program in River-
scal of approval for its main offerings,
head.
including an evaluation center for
The BOCES decision, based on a
THE
STAR
NO. 50
THURSDAY 1990 EASTHAMPTON. N.Y.
SINGLECOPY$1
New Special Ed School
Supporters of 3 proposed $5 mil-
home services that the more severe-
get. Mr. Nagel said the costs would
lion school for disabled children on
Iv disabled children may require. she
be minimized by the private school's
Tuesdav asked East Hampton Tow
added.
being able to "use local contractors
for financial help in the form of 2 low.
A year 320. Ms. Zimmennan es-
by invitation." as opposed to heing
cost lease on four lots It the Town
tablished Jump Start 3 program for
required to solicit competitive bids.
Industrial Park. This was the first
special children It the Center for
as public schools must do.
public discussion of plans. in the
Wellness in Wainscott and she is
works for months. that would give
special education advisor to the Am-
Potential\Donors
parents an alternative to busing their
agansett School.
While the group is planning some
children to Westhampron for special
She brought to Tuesday's meeting
fund-raisers. Mr. Connor said he "has
education.
Bruce Nagel. a local architect who de-
1 list of targeted people" who are con-
signed the school and worked on the
sidered potential donors. He said the
Letters Of Support
East Hampton Day Care Center's
trustees were asking the Town Board
For months supporters of the
new building. and most of the
for 2 letter of support and for the
Child Development Center of the
school's trustees.
community "to embrace" the project.
Hamptons. as the school for the dis-
The board agreed to give the
abled will be known. have been
Board Members
school crustees a "letter of intent" C.X.
meeting with town and state officials
They included Florence Kelson. 1
pressing support that was condi-
and local business leaders and have
special education teacher and Dowl-
tioned on their raising enough mon-
worked with Supervisor Cathy
ing College professor. George Aman.
cy and obtaining site plan approval
Lester on finding 2 site. However.
the Amagansett School Superinten-
from the Planning Board.
they had declined to go public until
Councilman Thomas Knobel.
dent: Steven Sicilian. 2 psychologist
they were sure they had everyone on
however, wondered whether the In-
who runs 2 similar facility at Mount
board.
dustrial Park was the right place for
Sinai Medical Center in Jamaica,
a school.
A packet of information handed
Queens: George Biondo. a lawyer
There is a church and a television
out Tuesday included letters of sup-
and former Montauk School Board
production studio there now. and
port from State Assemblyman Fred
member. and Tom Connors. 2 fi-
"there's no need to hold out for these
W. Thiele Jr. and his predecessor,
nancial advisor who is trying to raise
industries that are never going to
John Behan. now head of the State
the $5 million needed to build,
come to East Hampton." responded
Division of Veterans Affairs: from
equip. and run the school its first
Councilman Peter Hammerie. who
Sherry Wolfe, executive director of
year.
"nledged full support" to the project.
the East Hampton Business Alliance.
Robert Savage. the town attorney.
and her husband. Ralph Wolfe. pres-
and Dr. Gail Schonfeld. a local pedi-
Fully Integrated
ident of the Rotary Club: Village
atrician. are also on the board of
Mr. Sicilian said the school would
Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr.: and
trustees.
employ up to 35 peopie. 18 of them
school officials from all over the
The group has a state charter, good
professionals. such as teachers and
for two years. to run a nonprofic. pri-
therapists.
North and South Forks and Shelter
Island.
vate school for disabled and non-dis-
BOCES segregates students by
The group was led by Dawn Zim-
abled children. from 3 years old
level of disability but the Child De-
merman. the mother of an autistic
through eighth grade. They are op-
velopment Center would be fully in-
crating. for the time being. out of Mr.
tegrated. accepting even non-dis-
boy and an Amagansett resident A
Savage's private practice office and
abled children, and hoped to send
former marketing and sales execu-
tive. she said she came up with the
have applied to the state to become
their students to participate in some
idea after sending her son off on too
a working model for development
programs 20 local public schools as
many long bus rides to the nearest
centers. which are expected to spring
well. said Dr. Keison.
special education school. at the Board
up all over the state.
Changes in state mandates and the
Ms. Zimmerman told the board on
state budget have left public schools
of Cooperative Educational Services
Tuesday they hoped someday to ex-
with less funding to accommodate
in Westhampton.
pand the school and its charter to ac-
special needs but "more of 2 direct
responsibility" to do so. added Dr.
Lack Of Activities
cept students through the 12th grade.
Aman. whose own child has Down's
There are no afterschool, week-
Mr. Nagel's design showed 12 class-
syndrome and attends BOCES.
end. or summer camp activities in
rooms. 2 gymnasium. 2 cafeteria. and
To see your child go off to West-
East Hampton or Southampton for
offices covering 28.000 square feet
hampton at two or three years old is
disabled youngsters. who "need to be
with an outdoor play area. basketball
unhearahle." he said.
in their own community." she said.
court. and a baseball field. The four
Her "phone rings off the wall" from
lots at the Industrial Park it would be
Significant Savings
parents in similar straics. many of
built on. if the Town Board agrees to
Saving local schonis have seen a
whom also have difficulty finding 3t-
2 lease. are at the comer of Industrial
Road and Town Line Road.
notable rise in the number of dis-
abled preschoolers. the proponents
Construction was projected at
said it costs public schools dearly to
roughly $3 million with an addition-
hire speech therapists and other spe.
al $2 million needed for furniture.
cialists at per-hour rates and to bus
equipment. and the first year's bud-
children to Westhampton. while the
taxpayers would save a significant
amount by having 2 full-time staff at
a local facility.
Dr. Aman added there was now "no
coordination. no holistic approach
with what few services are available
here now." Mr. Biondo. who joined
the group recentiv. added that the
state and Federal governments "are
abandoning us but God does help
those who help themselves."
THE
STAR
SHINES
FOR ALL
VOL. CIX, NO. 47
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1997 EAST HAMPTON, N.Y.
SINGLE COPY $
SPECIAL ED
Won't Pay For Full Day
Parents of 3 to 5-year-olds with
ities. Nonetheless, all children for-
special education budget this year.
special needs have been waiting for
merly at the BOCES program will re-
Apparently taken by surprise at not
the other shoe to drop ever since the
ceive an "appropriate placement,"
getting approval for at least some full-
Eastern Suffolk Board of Cooperative
Steven Berman, of the Education
time programming, Ms. Zimmerman
Educational Services decided to shut
Department's regional office in Lin-
said that "everybody's upset." She
down, as of Tuesday, the preschool
denhurst, asserted last week.
did not "have a clue that this would
special education program it has run
Ms. Zimmerman wanted to pro-
happen," she added.
for 20 years in Westhampton Beach.
vide full as well as part-time classes
At a June 20 meeting with special
Their fears and that of school dis-
for East End children formerly
education representatives of East
trict officials seemed warranted when
served by BOCES, integrated with
Hampton Town's school districts,
they heard on June 17 that many chil-
those who have no disabilities. She
the consensus was that she should
dren formerly in full-day BOCES pro-
received approvals, however, only for
proceed, she said. She will open her
grams now can attend only part-time
four part-time classes, accommodat-
school in September.
certified programs, two-and-a-half
ing a total of 38 children.
hours or less, in East Hampton Town.
Jan Burgevin of Springs thinks "the
Enrichment Program
At least that is all the state and coun-
government is shortchanging the chil-
"We are not limited to state-ap-
ty, which share the costs of preschool
dren." Her 3-year-old son, Willy, who
proved hours for those willing to pay
special education, will pay for.
has Down Syndrome, has been get-
privately," though, she explained.
The news of the limited programs
ting 10 hours a week of one-on-one
"We always believed that there are
came from representatives of the
early intervention services at home,
children who need full-day. It's the
State Education Department in a
such as physical and speech therapy,
only thing that has proven to help
telephone call to Dawn Zimmerman
since he was a year old, but is "ready
these kids."
of Amagansett, who had been await-
now" for a full day of socialization.
To extend the children's school-
ing the department's go-ahead to
day, Ms. Zimmerman told The Star,
start her preschool at the Child De-
Cutting Costs
the development center may offer
velopment Center of the Hamptons.
'When you build it, they will
"cultural enrichment" to the "part-
come' is true," said Mr. Berman. "We
time" students for several hours each
Feels Shortchanged
created too many full-day programs,
day. But families would have to pay
A year ago, the state put a morato-
and there is a concern for cost."
for such a program in full, if they
rium on new programs in "con-
The Governor's office has pro-
could, or be charged according to a
tained" classrooms, that is, those at-
posed cutting as much as $180 mil-
sliding scale. Included would be in-
tended only by children with disabil-
lion statewide from the preschool
Continued On Page I-13
Won't Pay
Continued From Page I-1
struction in music, theater, and art.
Though the extended-day plans
are far from developed, she said, she
hoped to include a lunch period too,
as well as time to enhance "social-
ization skills and purposeful play."
"I think [the state] is going back in
time here," Ms. Zimmerman added.
Paying for the extra hours is "not
ideal," said Mrs. Burgevin, but "my
son is a priority and we are trying to
maximize his early years."
The center, a private nonprofit or-
ganization, has leased space in Most
Holy Trinity's former school building
on Meadow Way and has been inter-
viewing staff and families of prospec-
tive students for months.
Just this week, Ms. Zimmerman
made public a $500,000 pledge to
the center by Ronald Perelman of
East Hampton and New York to-
ward the $5 million cost of building
a new school on an Industrial Road
property leased from the Town of
East Hampton.
Besides that, a fund-raising cam-
paign to date has brought in about
$60,000.
East End families have another op-
tion for their preschoolers with spe-
cial needs, though it means traveling
THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER was among the beneficiaries
to Southampton. The Education and
of the Bridgehampton National Bank's cast-off office furniture when the bank
Therapeutic Center of St. Charles
moved to new headquarters recently. From left, volunteers who helped on
Hospital, which operates out of the
moving day include Jim Palmer, Tim Maxwell, Willie, Perez, and Bob Kelsey
Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus
from Riverhead Building Supply and Amagansett Building Materials. Dawn
Catholic Church's school building,
Zimmerman is seen with the desk drawers and, to the right, is Chris Beck-
has offered a special education
er, senior vice president of the bank.
Doug Kuntz
preschool for two years.
Dr. Marie Ficano, who runs the
full-day programs operating at more
at the St. Charles program.
program, and another in Port Jeffer-
than one site, like the Southampton
"The state has been moving to-
son, said that the Southampton cen-
one, believing them to be more cost-
ward a less restrictive environment"
ter had received new approvals for a
effective.
for as many children as possible, she
full-time program (five-hour day) for
The situation for families has been
said. "I'm not anti-inclusion. but
six severely disabled children and
particularly difficult this year, Dr. Fi-
placement should not be based on
one part-time program in addition to
cano said, because "decisions and
availability."
several that it has been running for
placements have been made at the
"I'd be naive to say that cost was
the past two years.
midnight hour." So far, four children
not a factor," she added.
State officials have agreed to fund
from East Hampton have been placed
SUSAN ROSENBAUM
The New York Times
Fiscal Woes Turn Special Education Upside Down
children, C.D.C., a new special education pre-
appointing to families dependent on the pro-
Education show that 6,500 children in Nassau
By MERYL SPIEGEL
school and the first one in their area, was
gram, especially for those on the East End
and Suffolk Counties were enrolled in certified
certified for a half-day program only. Another
who have children with severe disorders like
special education preschools in 1995.
IKE many youngsters throughout Long
L
alternative was St. Charles Early Intervention
Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy,
In August 1996, an amendment to Education
Island, two young boys on the East
Program in Southampton, affiliated with St.
its termination reflects fiscal problems plagu-
Law 4410, part of the Preschool Reform Bill,
End, both named Zachary, entered
Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. But until
ing the publicly funded programs and cost-
was passed, ordering each approved pre-
preschool early in September.
July, it had offered an integrated program
cutting measures by the state, forcing many
school education program with self-contained
But for Zachary Berger, 4, who has a cyst
only, which some parents did not think was
providers to change their programs.
classrooms devoted to disabled children to
pressing against his brain and requires
right for their children.
In many cases, these changes do not sit well
redirect, over two years, 25 percent of these
speech, physical and occupational therapy, his
While the closing of the Eastern Suffolk
with parents or administrators in the field.
students to settings with age-appropriate
new school, the Child Development Center
Boces preschool has been disruptive and dis-
Figures provided by the State Department of
peers without disabilities. To date, potentially
(C.D.C.) in East Hampton, was his third pre-
42 programs on Long Island would be affected
school in three years. And for Zachary Kerr, 3,
by the ruling, according to the Long Island
who has Down syndrome, the newly developed
regional division of the State Office of Voca-
program tailored for children with disabilities
tional and Educational Services for Individ-
was to be his second early learning experi-
uals with Disabilities.
ence.
In a phone interview from Albany, Law-
It is not uncommon for parents to experi-
rence C. Gloeckler, state deputy commission-
ment with preschools, but in these two cases,
er of the disabilities office, said: "We would
the families were pleased with their sons'
like to see children with disabilities integrated
previous full-day program at the Eastern Suf-
with nondisabled peers to the greatest extent
folk Board of Cooperative Education Services
possible. New York runs the most segregated
(Boces) preschool in Westhampton and South-
program in the United States. The Governor
ampton. But, earlier this year, they were
is interested in having children educated in
informed that the 20-year-old preschool, one of
the least restrictive environment."
the most renowned on Long Island, would shut
Although Mr. Gloeckler believed that more
down because of financial problems.
and more children with special needs are
Furthermore, some parents discovered in
being identified because of better detection or
June that although the state and county would
because of an increase in birth defects owing
continue to pay for full-day programs for their
to parental substance abuse, he said it did not
explain the "dramatic growth we are seeing."
Mr. Gloeckler said the state program, with
a projected $927 million cost for 1997-98, was
Zachary Kerr, left, and Kevin
"mushrooming and growing." The budget was
$327 million for 1990-91, according to figures
Salvatore, who attend the de-
provided by the department.
velopmentally disabled learn-
After conducting studies, the state and coun-
ing program at Most Holy
ties that finance the program became
alarmed about the number of children with
Trinity School in East Hamp-
lesser disabilities who were being wrongly
ton, take a break.
Lois Raimondo for New York Times
Conti ued on Page 4
THE NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1997
Fiscal Woes Changing Special Education
Continued From Page I
evaluated and misplaced in full-time,
segregated classrooms that they
may not have required, the deputy
commissioner said. "Portions of the
day for some children were filling
day care needs," he said.
Mr. Gloeckler went on to say that
the system "didn't have the proper
checks and balances." In some
cases, professionals, perhaps a psy-
chologist or speech therapist, who
were evaluating these children were
placing them in the same preschool
that employed them.
State officials contend that half of
the children who were not going on to
kindergarten and most likely would
have continued in the now defunct
Boces program, 150 out of 300 stu-
dents, have been appropriately
placed in other programs.
"Our office has received zero
phone calls from school districts or
parents with problems," said Steve
Berman, supervisor of the Long Is-
land division of the State Office of
Vocational and Educational Services
for Individuals with Disabilities.
However, to fill gaps for their sons,
the Berger and Kerr families, along
with 10 others at the nonprofit East
Lois
Raimondo
for
The
New
York
Hampton center, have elected to pay
$3,500 for a 10-month enrichment
Some of the children attending a special education program at Most Holy Trinity
School
program. In order to "keep five full
Child Development Center
days like Boces," Kate Kerr, the
mother of 3-year-old Zachary, said
that she and her husband, Blake, a
haphazard service?"
need.
ago, would have to relocate to find
physician, are willing to pay for the
Russell Riggio, the executive di-
The administrator pointed out that
the right program for her son be
extra time. However, she added that
rector of special education for Nas-
self-contained programs are still be-
cause the state would not adequately
she is concerned that most people
sau Boces, said in a phone interview
ing authorized. Two were recently
support the new school.
are not in the same financial posi-
that there was a broad debate be-
approved for the St. Charles pro-
Dawn Zimmerman, the founder of
C.D.C., who lives in Amagansett, said
tion.
hind the scenes regarding "the effi-
gram in Southampton for "those kids
"Schools should not be charging
in Boces who required a full-time
she was motivated to start the new
cacy of preschool special education."
for these services," Mr. Berman
The issue is "do we think preschool
program," he said.
program because of the dearth of
said. He added that the school dis-
education for disabled children
Despite the Education Depart-
special education preschools east of
tricts who inform his office had not
makes sense?" he asked.
ment's positive statements about
Westhampton for her autistic son
notified him that parents were pay-
these measures, administrators and
She said she liked the Boces pro-
Referring to the new state ruling,
ing for additional programs.
parents are distressed about
gram, but was disturbed that her 3-
Mr. Riggio said early in September
There is also concern that the two
changes that they feel are short-
year-old and others like him were
that the future of these programs
remaining Boces preschool pro-
changing children.
spending so much time on the bus
depends on each agency's willing-
grams, in Nassau and western Suf-
Marie Ficano, the executive direc-
traveling there each day.
folk, will ultimately encounter the
tor of the St. Charles Early Interven-
Initially, she applied for a full-day
same fate as the East End program.
tion Program, serving more than 250
program for the East Hampton cen-
"I don't see how they can make it if
disabled children in Port Jefferson
ter and state approval for a $1.2
they are looking at the same rate
and Southampton, is concerned that
million budget. At the end of June,
formula," said James Fogerty, the
Attempts
at
the two new segregated classrooms
the program was finally certified for
director of instructional programs
on the East End, with a limited ca-
a half-day program at a rate of $63.89
for Eastern Suffolk Boces, who man-
mainstreaming
pacity of 18 spots, will be filled within
per child per day, which translates
aged the preschool program.
a month, and then the state will have
into a $600,000 budget.
In a phone interview from his
upset parents.
to revaluate the situation for the
"It's an impossible rate to run a
Patchogue office, Mr. Fogerty said
area.
program," said Ms. Zimmerman, in
the program closed because "we
She also worries that as the pro-
the hall of a church school building
couldn't run it financially."
grams are reduced overall, the chil-
where she rents four classrooms and
"Once the office pays the pro-
dren will have less time to socialize
has begun her preschool with 20 dis-
gram's bills and waits for reim-
with their peers and develop the lan-
abled children. By the end of the
bursement from the government,
ness to comply. Nassau Boces' first
guage skills that so many lack. She
year, she is confident the 38 half-day
which sometimes takes up to two
business plan was rejected, he said.
said she had been forced to close
spots approved by the state will be
years," the director said, the deficit
He submitted a second and "is now
classrooms and move many chil-
filled.
for 1996-97 will be "somewhere
waiting to hear."
dren from a full-day to a half-day
Ms. Zimmerman said she was
around $400,000."
From the State Education Depart-
program in Port Jefferson.
counting on fund-raising. To date, the
In addition to carrying millions of
ment's office in Lindenhurst, Mr.
For educators and parents, the
fledgling school has raised $90,000.
dollar of debt while the agency wait-
Berman said the object of the legisla-
issue may come down to paying now
One well-publicized effort last sum-
ed to get reimbursed for its ex-
tion was not to reduce the size of the
or paying more later. Without ade-
mer involved an auction of teapots,
penses, Mr. Fogerty said the rate
program but to provide these serv-
quate preschool special education,
hand-painted by artists and celebri-
paid by the government did not dif-
ices in less restrictive settings. But
Dr. Ficano said, it will be much more
ties.
ferentiate for the extent of a child's
cuts in enrollment or services may
difficult and costly to mainstream
Ms. Zimmerman hopes to expand
disability. Providers are paid a flat
result, he said, and ultimately, it will
the children in elementary school.
her program by building a $5 million
rate per child per day, regardless of
depend on the provider's motivation
"Prior to this business plan," she
building serving children with spece
their needs, he said. So Boces was
to find alternative ways of providing
said, "there has always been a con-
cial needs, from birth to 21 years old
paid the same rate for a child requir-
the services.
tinuum of services, and we move
Ronald Perelman, head of Revion,
ing multiple services five days per
Although business plans from
them when they are ready. Our goal
has pledged $500,000 toward the ef,
week as one who received one type of
some providers are way overdue, the
is to get children to function in a day-
fort, and the Town of East Hamptort
therapy three times a week.
supervisor said the number of inte-
to-day environment and to go to reg-
has offered C.D.C. a low-cost, long-
Saying that his program closed
grated programs has grown dramat-
ular kindergarten. It seems we are
term lease on eight acres of munici,
before having to deal with the new
ically this year on Long Island as a
always viewed as the bad guys."
pal property.
state directive, the Boces manager
result. "Our belief and hope is that
Philip Turitz, the father of a 5--
The reason that private, nonprofit
criticized the changes, saying, "The
they will meet the needs of kids," he
year-old boy with speech and lan-
preschools like C.D.C. are able. to
new system is worse than the old, so
said
guage problems who is enrolled in
survive is that they do not have the
we got out."
In some cases, adjunct special
the C.D.C. in East Hampton, said in a
constraints of Boces programs
He also questioned its effect on the
education services are being incor-
phone interview that the changes are
which must contend with union con-
children. "Putting them in an inte-
porated into a regular Head Start,
fiscally short-sighted on the part of
tracts and are not permitted to raise
grated setting, such as attaching a
preschool or day care center. For
Gov. George E. Pataki and his ad-
money, said Mr. Fegerty of Eastern
program to a nursery school," Mr.
example, a special education teach-
ministration. His wife, Lisa, said that
Suffolk Boces. But "even the private
that
really
nro
may enter typical classroom to
she feared that her family, which
sector eventually dries up." he