News regarding NYCLI

In addition to our work with independent schools, we have long been pleased to represent families enrolling in high-performing state-approved non-public schools in the city. One of the top such programs we’ve worked with is the New York Child Learning Institute. NYCLI has for decades served children on the Autism spectrum, under the strong leadership of the gifted clinician Dr. Susan Vener.

 We have received very concerning news that, following a change in leadership, NYCLI will be closing its doors by mid-August at the very latest, and possibly by the end of June.

 We know how tumultuous sudden changes like this can be for children and parents, and we have experience guiding families through the process. As an accommodation to those impacted by this impending closure, we will be offering an open town hall to discuss your legal rights in this process and how best to proceed with the NYC Department of Education to ensure your child does not face an interruption in services. Regina Skyer and senior attorneys from our office will appear at this town hall, along with neuropsychologist David Salsberg. We are glad to answer all of your questions about options moving forward.

 Please join us on Wednesday June 28 at 4pm via Zoom. Register for the town hall here.

Please note, this event is not affiliated with NYCLI.

Letter to Chancellor Banks

From: Regina Skyer <rskyer@skyerlaw.com>
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 10:39 AM
To: Davidcbanks@schools.nyc.gov <Davidcbanks@schools.nyc.gov>
Subject: In Response

Dear Chancellor Banks,

I read with interest your comments made at a press conference yesterday regarding tuition payments to private schools for special education students. As you may know, my office is one of the largest in the city representing parents whose children have not been able to secure adequate special education services from the DOE, and we are unapologetic about our work ensuring an appropriate education for these most needy of students. To that end, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and work collaboratively to make our public schools better. I have extended this offer to every chancellor since I began practicing law.  

As stated repeatedly by Advocates for Children of New York as well as myself and the attorneys working alongside my office representing parents of disabled children, our students are left with no option but to seek a unilateral remedy, including placement in private special education school, when the DOE fails to provide them an educational opportunity that is individualized to address their unique educational deficits and needs.

I have many thoughts as to how to make public special education programs meet the needs of our students.  For example the ASD Nest Program is coveted and needs to be in every public school. Mayor Adams’s dyslexia initiative has to start immediately in every public school.  There is no magic formula as to what makes private special education schools so effective, and I know NYC could achieve what we all want – an education for all students that confers a meaningful benefit.

I appreciate your efforts in the considerable challenge of running the nation’s largest school system, and I stand ready to provide any insight I can into how to ensure our schools can best accommodate students with disabilities.

Very sincerely,

Regina Skyer

Law Offices of Regina Skyer and Associates

142 Joralemon Street – Suite 1120

Brooklyn, NY 11201

www.skyerlaw.com

212-532-9736

In Memoriam

It is with the greatest sorrow that Skyer Law records the untimely death of our beloved and respected colleague PAUL W. KOHAN.  

Paul was a fierce advocate and champion for the rights of children with disabilities. It was not only his work but his passion and purpose.

John F. Kennedy said, “For those to whom much is given much is required.” Paul lived by these words. He gave back in immeasurable ways. He supported every parent he worked with and helped get all of his clients an education of value. It was with good reason that he was recently named a Rising Super Lawyer.  He was on the Board of Trustees of the Gow School, Co-founder of the Dyslexia Policy Institute, and a sponsor of their upcoming conference.  

Paul lit up a room with his effervescence and optimism. He is sorely missed, and his memory is a blessing to all of us.

UPDATE to FAQ for Skyer Law Clients

Q: Now that the DOE has postponed the start of public school, what will happen to my transportation?

A: It is our understanding that the DOE‘s Office of Pupil Transportation does not intend to provide busing for any child until the public schools re-open (which as of today is September 21, 2020).  However,  we understand there are still steps the city needs to take with bus companies before services can be provided regardless of the start date. We are monitoring this closely. 

If your child has a mandate for busing that is written on their IEP, or has this mandate through a hearing order, it is our opinion that in these limited circumstances,  we should have a good claim for reimbursement of your reasonable transportation expenses.   To put your case in the best position, we would need to know ASAP that you intend to pursue this relief. Please reach out to your case manager immediately to discuss this. 

You can read more about this situation in this recently published Chalkbeat article.

UPDATE to FAQ for Skyer Law Clients

Q: Will the Office of Pupil Transportation provide busing to my child’s private school year this year?

A: The answer to this question is very case specific. The good news is that the New York State Education Department has made clear that busing to private schools must continue during the 2020-2021 school year – even if the DOE moves entirely to remote learning. NY State Education Department just issued this statement “If the school district is in session remotely or otherwise, pupil transportation must be provided to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools or students whose Individualized Education Plans have placed them out of district whose schools are meeting in in-person sessions when/ if the district is not.” You can read more here:http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/reopening-schools/nys-p12-school-reopening-guidance.pdf

Therefore, if your child’s IEP indicates an entitlement to busing, this State Education Department directive means your child should receive it.

Even with this directive, the DOE is still vague about the specific plan for busing for the 2020-2021 school year so far. An OPT spokesperson confirmed in early July that they were “assessing” a truncated transportation plan, but no additional details have been released by the city. Given the extensive guidelines regarding daily cleaning and disinfection, social distancing, and requirements to provide masks - as well as the herculean task of routing approximately 150,000 bused students who are participating in hybrid learning schedules that can change day-to-day, we have very serious doubts about busing actually being in place by the first day of school. We will, of course, update this information as soon as we have any more news on this front.