16th Annual Alternatives For Children Golf Outing EVENT INFORMATION

Monday, June 12.2023

Nissequogue Golf Club

21 Golf Club Rd, St James, NY 11780

We invite you to participate in our 16th Annual Alternatives For Children Golf Outing, directly benefiting the programs and services for the children with disabilities that we serve. 

Use the QR CODE to make a DIRECT DONATION to Alternatives For Children.

Alternatives for Children is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving children with special needs and disabilities from birth to six years from across Long Island at our locations in Aquebogue, East Setauket, Dix Hills, and Southampton.

Our Generous Sponsors and Donors

We could not do what we do without our Generous Sponsors 

and Dedicated Financial Supporters!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Sean & Lauren Russell

M & T Bank

Pilot|RB - Benjamin Senders

GOLD SPONSORS

American Century Investments

Ross Kamovitch

Atlantic Business Systems

Jeffrey Fischer

LaFerla Group LLC

Thomas Cordovano

Mechanical Solutions

Thomas Juliano

Kyle A. Mendelsohn

Mercedes Benz of Huntington

Jim Buzzetta

Rapid Diagnostics

John Knab

SILVER SPONSORS  

GBM Services Inc.

Michael Pergola

Partlow Insurance Agency

Brian & Jerry Partlow

HOLE IN ONE SPONSORS

Cavalier Auto Body

Harry Zolotas

Family of Arlene Murtha

Michael & Dianne Fitzpatrick

Greenberg & Traurig, LLP

Pamela Madeiros, Esq.

Premier Benefit Plans, Inc.

Aimee DiBartolomeo - Cody

Mitchell Selip

Weiss Stationery

Gary Schubert

HOLE SPONSORS

Bryant Funeral Home Inc.

Fred Bryant

Dr. John A. Rose, DDS

Eastern End Pools LLC

Jennifer Del Vaglio

Dr. Mark Ian Funt

John Hancock Investment Management

Carl Carilli

Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP

Marilyn Piacinter

St. James Funeral Home, Inc.

Betty Maher

The Garage Eatery

 Donald & Lisa Ravella

Weiss Stationery

Gary Schubert

Paul Hastings, LLP

DONORS

Margaret Berger

Romell Chavez

Scott Garver

Rachel M. Larson

Frank Lopresti

Emma Ndoria

Jose Ortiz

Krista Palleschi

American Way Real Estate

David & Lorraine Guzzetta

Guida Rax, Inc

James P. Guida

Printing Plus

Liz Miastkowski

Weiss Stationery

Gary Schubert

Scan the QR to make a Donation!

Alternatives For Children . . WHO WE ARE

Message from Dr. Marie E. Ficano, Executive Director Alternatives For Children

The birth of a child is meant to be a time filled with anticipation, joy and excitement. While we all hope this journey takes us down a straight and narrow path, unfortunately, sometimes there are bumps in the road, or the road takes an unexpected turn. Having a place families can turn to when everything else seems to be falling apart helps make the journey less difficult. For the past twenty-seven years, Alternatives For Children has been a stop on the journey for over 15,000 children from across both Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

Since 1988, our team of experienced and dedicated early childhood professionals have created invaluable educational and therapeutic programs, individually designed to help each child reach their potential.

I am proud to say, that because of the dedication through the years of the Board of Trustees, administrators, the educational and therapeutic staff, our wonderful parents and enthusiastic financial supporters, Alternatives For Children has become a leader in providing quality care to all children, but especially to those who need it most, at the most critical time in their development.

Parent Testimonials

Here is what parents have to say about Alternatives For Children . . .

I can’t say enough fabulous things about this school. My son started at 3 ½ years old and has made so much improvement that I can’t thank the team enough. Everyone at the school has been incredibly helpful that it has been an amazing process from beginning to end. My son graduates this year and I am going to miss everyone so much. Thank you again for all your help.

We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity for our child to attend Alternatives For Children. In the short time she’s been going we’ve already noted progress and it continues from month to month, almost week to week! Your skill, caring, and patience – all of you – has my total admiration and gratitude. At Alternatives For Children the teachers, therapists and program staff are great. My son has had an overall great, wonderful experience with everyone. That makes me as a mother for a child with special needs feel comfortable and at ease. I see my son more open and friendly, and willing to learn and want more. Thank you AFC! 

The staff at Alternatives For Children are some of the kindest, most patient people I have encountered as a parent, and as a professional in the special education field. Thank you for all of your hard work! I know it’s not always easy, but your energy and spirit is greatly appreciated.

Scan the QR to make a Donation

Alternatives For Children . . WHAT WE DO

In line with its mission, Alternatives For Children’s overarching philosophy reflects our longstanding commitment to children, their individual needs, and our own high standards; assuring that children and their families have the tools and experiences necessary to build the foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives.

Families will find a complete continuum of educational, therapeutic, and family services that will enable them to respond to the needs of their child, and the child to reach their potential. As Special Education/Early Childhood educators, pediatric therapists, and support staff, we have the unique opportunity of providing children and their families with educational experiences in line with the tenets of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); the provision of services through our Early Intervention Program, provided in the child’s “natural environment”, and a Preschool Special Education program and services in the least restrictive environment (LRE). 

Alternatives For Children 

provides children and their families 

with the tools they need 

to be ready to learn 

and be successful as they transition 

to the kindergarten environment. 

Alternatives For Children 

provides a full complement of 

Special Education Programs and Related Services

Assistive Technology (AT) - is used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible for them. Assistive Technology device refers to any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology devices can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies.

Music Therapy - is a well-established, research-based profession in which music is used to accomplish therapeutic and educational goals. Music Therapy helps to improve cognitive, social, physical, psychological, and communication functioning.

Occupational Therapy - a developmental intervention that enhances a child’s ability to successfully function within their environment, both at home and at school. Occupational Therapists work with children facing physical delays, educational delays, cognitive delays, self-care delays or sensory processing disorders that may affect their developmental performance.

Orientation and Mobility Training (O & M) - helps a blind or visually impaired child know where he/she is in space and where he/she wants to go (orientation). It also helps them to be able to carry out a plan to get there (mobility). Orientation and mobility skills should begin to be developed in infancy starting with basic body awareness and movement, allowing the child to learn skills that allow them to navigate their world efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Physical Therapy - therapeutic interventions aimed at maximizing a child’s ability to participate in daily activities in school and at home. The goal specific outcomes of Physical Therapy promote independence and age-appropriate gross motor development, improve strength and flexibility, enhance learning opportunities, and facilitate the learning of self-help and self-care responsibilities.

Psychological and Social Work Services - integral components of the multidisciplinary team approach in early childhood education. Psychologists and Social Workers collaborate to assure that all students and their families have access to the support and assistance they might need. A variety of services are provided to meet the needs of children and their families including: initial assessments, behavioral observations, functional behavioral assessments, behavior intervention plans, play therapy/student counseling, parent counseling, support groups, parent education workshops and Early Intervention ongoing service coordination.

Service Coordination - Ongoing Service Coordinator, chosen by a parent, to ensure that the services, as indicated in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), are in place for your child during the duration of the plan. At Alternatives For Children, Social Workers provide Ongoing Service Coordination based on their training and experience in advocacy and casework.

SEIS - Special Education Itinerant Services - Implements the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and promotes skill and ability development in any or all of the development domains in collaboration with the family and with nursery school directors and teachers to meet the child's needs.

Speech and Language Therapy - focuses on receptive language, or the ability to understand words spoken to you, and expressive language, or the ability to use words to express yourself. Speech Therapy also deals with the mechanics of producing sounds or words, such as articulation, pitch, fluency, and volume. For children, Speech Therapy generally involves pursuing language milestones that have been delayed.

Vision Services – Provide screening, assessment and evaluation of functional vision skills; provide treatment to enhance use of residual vision and adaptive abilities for the visually impaired. Specialized instruction to strengthen a child’s visual efficiency, compensatory skill practice, and communication skill practice, which may involve the use of modified materials and equipment such as large print or Braille, slant boards or light boxes.

Scan the QR to make a Donation!