WINTER/SPRING 2012

Visit our new website TODAY! www.alternativesforchildren.org

With our newly redesigned website

supporting Alternatives For Children

is easier than ever.

We now offer secure online giving

through PayPal

for all our Fundraising Activities.

Annual Golf Outing

Annual Classic and Sports Car Rally

Capital Campaign

Annual Campaign

Wish List - Special Projects

Matching Gifts

Donate Now

Make a Difference!

Alternatives For Children

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN LAUNCHES NEWLY DESIGNED WEBSITE WWW.ALTERNATIVESFORCHILDREN.ORG

Many thanks to Kelly Kuzman, SUNY Stony Brook Journalism Graduate

for filming and editing

these two videos for our use.

Maria Hansen

Occupational

Therapy

Supervisor

Elizabeth Schwartz

Music Therapist

visit us at

www.alternativesforchildren.org

to view these two video digests

Alternatives For Children’s newly

launched and redesigned website is

rich in content, easy to navigate, and

extremely user friendly.

Search engine optimization has been

greatly increased to ensure that when

parents are searching for information

on Early Intervention, Preschool

Special Education or Related Services

in Suffolk or Nassau County our

website will pop up giving them

access to solid, useful information that

will answer many of their questions.

Taking her cue from the Lady Gaga hit,

Born This Way, Music Therapist Lee

Morris instilled in her students a

valuable life lesson; I’m beautiful in my

way, and I was born this way! For their

end of the year song, all the children,

those with disabilities and their typically

developing peers, sang Born This Way

with adapted lyrics and used American

Sign Language to make this song their

own.

Alternatives For Children gives all these

beautiful children and their families the

tools they need, and provides a strong

educational foundation so that they can

be successful as they transition to the

kindergarten environment.

For the parents of these children, these

words affirm what they have always

known; that their children are indeed

beautiful in their own special way.

MANY THANKS TO . . . .

LEE MORRIS, MUSIC THERAPIST

FACULTY & STAFF ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN SOUTHAMPTON

RICHARD SLATTERY, INNER VISION IMAGING

FOR BRINGING THIS VIDEO TO LIFE!

Alternatives for Children

Mission Statement

To provide the highest quality special and regular education

programs and services to children with disabilities

and typically developing peers. Education, medical,

pediatric rehabilitation, and support services

are integrated to ensure the comprehensive needs of the

child and family are met.

14 Research Way East Setauket, NY 11733

631-331-6400 Preschool Programs

Child Day Care Early Intervention Services

Universal Pre-K Administrative Office

1116 Main Road

Aquebogue, NY 11931 631-722-2170

Preschool Programs Child Day Care

Early Intervention Services Universal Pre-K

175 Wolf Hill Road Melville, NY 11747

631-271-0777 Preschool Programs

Child Day Care Early Intervention Services

168 Hill Street

Southampton, NY 11968 631-283-3272

Preschool Programs Child Day Care

Early Intervention Services

Executive Director Marie E. Ficano, Ed.D.

Board of Trustees Vincent O’Leary, Chairman

Joseph Dempsey, Esq. - Secretary James Buzzetta

Frederic Mendelsohn, MD Michael Russell

Tina VanVort, Esq.

The children and staff at

Alternatives For Children

East Setauket were visited

by first-time author Robin

Rosenberg who read from

her book Brookie Cookie

Bookie. In the book the

reader follows young

Brooke, Rosenberg’s real-

life daughter, and her

friends through the pages as

together they discover the

differences that make them

unique and the universal

truths that bring them

together. The illustrations

in the book were drawn by

the real-life Brooke and her

friends – as they declare

their personal choices for

activities, the weather,

colors and more.

Brookie Cookie Bookie

focuses on diversity and

explains the concept to

young children by showing

them that even though they

may like different things,

they are still the same as

other children in many ways. Rosenberg intended the

book to be a discussion starter that might help head off

future bullying behaviors.

Author Robin Rosenberg teaches the children at

Alternatives For Children East Setauket the

Brookie Cookie Bookie cheer, “It’s Cool to Be Kind!”

Each year, Alternatives for Children is required to notify

parents of their rights under the Family Educational

Rights and Privacy Act regulations (FERPA) to:

Inspect and review the student’s educational records.

Seek amendment to the student’s educational records

that the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records.

Alternatives for Children will comply with a request for access to records within 45 days of a received request and

respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of records. If a parent believes the education

records relating to the student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s

rights of privacy, he or she may ask Alternatives for Children to amend the record.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Alternatives for Children will work together with families

to answer any questions and help access information needed.

Recent reports indicate

that more than 26% of

children between the

ages of 2 and 5 are

classified as either at

risk for being over-

weight or overweight.

Since eating and

p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y

behaviors and patterns

are established early in

childhood and tend to

track into adulthood,

early intervention could

help prevent the problem

of obesity in young

children. Approxi-

mately 56% of all

children ages three to six

years spend their day in

a center-based child care

program. These children may consume 50% to

100% of their RDA while at a child care facility,

which contributes a significant number of calories

and essential nutrients to their diet.

BROOKIE COOKIE BOOKIE AUTHOR ROBIN ROSENBERG VISITS ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN EAST SETAUKET

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN SOUTHAMPTON PARTNERS WITH CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

TO FOSTER HEALTHY NUTRITION

With this understanding in mind, Alternatives For

Children Southampton has joined forces with the staff

at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Riverhead to

implement the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self

Assessment for Child Care. NAP SACC is an

intervention in child care centers aimed at improving

the nutrition and physical activity environment

policies and practices through self-assessment. The

goals of the program are to improve the nutritional

quality of the food served to the children and to

closely monitor the amount and quality of physical

activity the children are exposed to on a daily basis.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21ST 9AM - 3PM

New York Life's Child I.D. program is designed to help children in our community learn how to stay safe in the

home, at play or wherever they happen to be. Child I.D.s are created using the EZ Child I.D. System, the nation's

most comprehensive digital fingerprinting child identification system. Created with help from the National CHIP

foundation and law enforcement officials, this system ensures that the digital fingerprints meet industry standards

by capturing all vital information required by the Amber Alert system.

In just three minutes, a Child I.D. card is printed for each parent or guardian free of charge. Child I.D. cards

feature a child’s photo, fingerprints, contact information and other pertinent information needed by the police in

case of an emergency.

Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No child's information or pictures are

electronically retained. All data is automatically erased upon printing the Child I.D. The only information New

York Life keeps is a parent or guardian's contact information, and only if permission has been granted for an Agent

to contact them with more information about New York Life.

Having a Child I.D. will give the parent/guardian the peace of mind knowing that should anything ever happen to

their child, they will have an I.D. with vital information to distribute to the local authorities.

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN EAST SETAUKET

Bring your Children - Tell all your friends! Peace of Mind for Parents!

Holiday Party Thank You

Three Village CSD for the use of

the Main Street School

Dream DJ for providing the

awesome dance music

Fairytale Productions for the

wonderful costumes

McDonald’s for donating all that

delicious juice

AND - As always, parents, staff

and sponsors for raffle items and

helping hands

Bowling Party Thank You

Chris Keller & Rob Eggert

Bowl Long Island

Donna Wheaton & family

for arranging the event

Diamond Jewelers

Benkerts Bakery

Joy & Tony Massciana

Little Vincent's Pizza

Step in Time Dance

Kim & John Tarpey

Mindy Arne

Anthony Gonzalez

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE THESE EVENTS

SUCH A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE FOR THE CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES!

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN HOLIDAY PARTY

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN BOWLINGPARTY

Weather permitting, this event will be held

outside in the back parking lot behind the

school. In case of bad weather, event will

be held inside the school. Alternatives For

Children will advertise this event and will

provide the space. Vendors are responsible

for bringing their items as well as any tables

or chairs that might be needed.

Get Ready for Kindergarten!

will be offered at all four locations

Aquebogue East Setauket

Melville Southampton

Enroll your child in a

summer program to BOOST their

kindergarten readiness skills!

visit our website for more info

www.alternativesforchildren.org

Alternatives For Children Southampton has been approved to

provide Child Day Care services for families that meet Depart-

ment of Social Services income eligibility criteria. Subsidized

children are eligible for day care services based on family income

and County reimbursement. To learn if your child and family is

eligible, call the Department of Social Services at 631-853-3666.

You can also call Alternatives For Children Southampton at 631-

283-3272 for information on how your child can receive quality

child day care in an enriched educational program with NYS

dually certified teachers.

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

Alternatives For Children 16TH ANNUAL

CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR RALLY

COMMUNITY YARD SALE CRAFT FAIR

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN EAST SETAUKET

SATURDAY, APRIL 21ST 9AM - 3PM

Looking For Vendors Rent a Space for only $25

For further information contact Lisa at 631-331-6400 x 107

FOUR SPECIALTY GROUPS OFFERED AT OUR EAST SETAUKET LOCATION

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN SUMMER ENRICHMENT 2012

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN

AFFINITY MEMBERS

$5,000 & Over Bobby Bandiera & Friends

Competition Automotive Group

Competition Toyota/Toyota Dealer Match Program

Islandia MRI Associates/Merik Dolber

Dr. & Mrs. Frederic Mendelsohn

Medical Rehabilitative Services Of Long Island

Middle Island Motor Sales/Mr. Vinny DiGregorio

Pilot Benefits Group/Mr. Mark Senders

$2,500 - $4,999 Eye/Vision Associates/Dr. Gwen Gnadt

GBM Services/Mr. Michael Pergola

Gershow Recycling Center

Holtz Rubenstein Reminick/Mr. Gordon Siess

Mechanical Solutions/Mr. Thomas Juliano

Newsday/Mr. Angelo Ippolito

UBS Financial Services/Mr. & Mrs. Michael Russell

Mr. & Mrs. Sean Russell

$1,000 - $2,499 Apollo Health Street Inc.

BP East Setauket/Mr. Ozzie Osman

BP Peconic/Mrs. Saroj R. Jaswal

Mr. & Mrs. James Buzzetta

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dempsey

Frankino Family Foundation

Partlow Insurance Agency/Mr. Jerry Partlow

Sector Microwave Industries, Inc./Mr. Paul Delzatto

Suffolk County National Bank/Mr. Robert Grady

The Garrick C. Stephenson Family Fund

The Legend Group/Mr. Kyle Mendelsohn

Dr. Barbara Whiteside

$500 - $999 Allure Home Improvements/Mr. Sal Ferro

Associated Energy/Mr. Larry McDevitt

Bobby Dent Devil/Mr. Robert Fischer

Bryant Funeral Home Inc.

Central Outdoor Services/Mr. Chris Flobeck

Chase Auto Finance/Mr. Brian Farley

D.A. Marsicovetere & Co./Mr. Dominic Marsicovetere

Greenberg & Traurig/Ms. Pamela Madeiros, Esq.

Jordan Associates Integrated Systems

Mr. Paul Jordan

Mr. Ather Mirza

PMD Builder Corp./Mr. Paul Delzatto

Mr. Michael Selip

Staff of Dr. Mendelsohn

The Art of Mathematics, LLC.

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology Group/Jim Speza

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN

2011 SUPPORTERS

Alternatives For Children and the Family of Gil Murtha

gratefully acknowledge all those people who made

a gift to Alternatives For Children in memory of

Gil Murtha Gil lives on through your generous support of our Mission,

which was so near and dear to his heart.

THANK YOU! YOU Gave a Gift that Makes a Difference

Alternatives For Children is a not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization

registered with the New York State Charities Bureau.

All donations are tax-deductible in accordance with

current IRS charitable giving guidelines.

Merik C. Dolber

Mark Senders

Mike Russell

Jim Buzzetta

Dr. & Mrs. Fred Mendelsohn

Medical Rehabilitative

Services of Long Island

THANK YOU AFFINITY

MEMBERS!

We are pleased and grateful

to have received so many

generous donations for our

2011 Year End Annual Campaign

SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Return application and payment right away to ensure choice

of sponsorship and guarantee slots for players.

Payment MUST accompany registration form. (Check your choice[s].)

PLATINUM Sponsor * $3,750 tax deductible

$5,000 each

GOLD Sponsor * $1,975 tax deductible

$2,850 each

SILVER Sponsor * $1,275 tax deductible

$1,500 each

HOLE IN ONE Sponsor * $500 tax deductible

$500 each

HOLE Sponsor * $250 tax deductible

$250 each

SPONSORING COMPANY NAME

CONTACT

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ZIP

PHONE

Email

Number of Golfers x $350 per person = $

Golf cost includes breakfast, BBQ luncheon, Awards Dinner, green fees, range balls and cart.

Awards Dinner “Only”

Tickets x $125 per person = $

= $ Total Payment

Check is enclosed. Payable to Alternatives For Children

Charge my Credit Card (Check One)

American Express MasterCard Visa

EXPIRATION DATE (MM/YY)

CARDHOLDER NAME (PLEASE PRINT)

SIGNATURE

GOLFER APPLICATION FORM SPONSORING COMPANY NAME

CONTACT

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ZIP

PHONE

EMAIL

Player Handicap

1.

2.

3.

4.

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT: May 31, 2012

Mail to: Alternatives For Children 14 Research Way, East Setauket, N.Y. 11733

Phone (631) 331-6400 x229 Fax (631) 331-6865

Sign and logo at Venue ● Mention on Sponsor Board

Listing as sponsor in mailings ● Company logo on pin flags

Reservations for four golfers

Four additional guests for dinner

Includes Additional New Affinity Member Benefits

Signage on Donor Wall ● Company Showcased at Event

Prominent Display in Quarterly Newsletters

GOLD BBQ LUNCHEON SPONSOR $2,850

Sign and logo at Venue ● Mention on Sponsor Board

Listing as sponsor in mailings ● Corporate logo on hole sign

Reservations for four golfers

SILVER REGISTRATION SPONSOR $1,500

Sign and logo at Venue ● Mention on Sponsor Board

Choice Signage

on Putting Green, Golf Cart, or Driving Range

Reservations for one golfer

HOLE IN ONE SPONSOR $500

Corporate Logo on Hole in One Sign

HOLE SPONSOR $250

Corporate Logo on Hole Sign

Individual golfers are welcome to this event.

The fee of $350 per person includes the luncheon, awards

dinner, green fees, and cart. Individuals may also register

for the dinner only, at $125 per person.

PLATINUM AWARDS DINNER SPONSOR $5,000

Hole In One Prize Sponsored By

Competition BMW of Smithtown

COME SEE THE ALL NEW 2012 3 SERIES BMW

7TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING JUNE 11TH 2012 NISSEQUOGUE GOLF CLUB

Register Online at www.alternativesforchildren.org

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

EAST SETAUKET, NY

PERMIT No. 5

14 Research Way East Setauket, NY 11733 Phone 631-331-6400

Return Service Requested

Call Today to Register!

AQUEBOGUE

631-722-2170

EAST SETAUKET

631-331-6400

MELVILLE

631-271-0777

SOUTHAMPTON

631-283-3272

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL SESSIONS

OPENINGS AT ALL LOCATIONS

Alternatives For Children’s early childhood education programs lead to demonstrated outcomes for our students.

Graduates leave Alternatives For Children ready to learn & ready for Kindergarten.

HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN!

www.alternativesforchildren.org

Providing the highest quality special and regular education programs and services to children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

Alternatives For Children 7th Annual

GOLF OUTING JUNE 11 2012