Make Your Voice Heard on Busing Issues! Public Meeting Tomorrow in Brooklyn

Problems with busing are one of the most frustrating things that a parent of a special education student may deal with. It’s critical that we use our collective voices whenever opportunities arise to raise issues, demand accountability, and make constructive suggestions for how to make change for the better.

The Citywide Education Council for District 75 (CECD75) is an advisory committee of the Department of Education that is made up of parents of District 75 students. This fall, CECD75’s Committee on Busing is holding a series of public meetings in all five boroughs to seek public comment about past and present problems with student busing with contract carriers. This hearing is open to the parents or guardians of any NYC student who utilizes student busing services, even if they attend a private school or a general education program.

CECD75 says that the purpose of these hearings is to compile the data and narratives received and make recommendations for changes in policy, rules, and regulations to the NYC Department of Education, the Office of Pupil Transportation, and New York State.

The next public meeting is tomorrow in Brooklyn.

Date: Wednesday, October 18

Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: P368@H429K: School for Global Studies, 284 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Written comments will also be accepted. Please address them to: Citywide Education Council for District 75, 45-18 Court Square, Suite 229, Long Island City, NY 11101. You can also email CECD75 at D75council.schols.nyc.gov and follow them on Facebook for updates on future public meetings.

IMPORTANT! Location change for “How to Survive Turning 5” workshop, October 19th

Due to a booking error by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, the venue for our kindergarten transition workshop, co-sponsored by Music Therapy at BCM, on October 19th, 7-9pm has changed.

NEW LOCATION: Congregation Beth Elohim’s Social Hall, 274 Garfield Place (Brooklyn)

Space is limited. So please RSVP if you have not already done so.

Workshop Description:

The Kindergarten transition process is undeniably daunting for families of special needs children—and New York City’s massive bureaucracy doesn’t make it any easier.

A few years ago, our founding partner, Regina Skyer, published a handbook for parents, How to Survive Turning 5. And every year, the Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates, LLP hold free legal education workshops so that as many parents as possible can learn how to navigate the so-called “Turning Five” process in New York City.

This workshop is designed for parents of preschoolers and interested special education professionals. We will go over independent evaluations, school applications, public program options, IEP meetings, hearings and appeal procedures, and more. We will also answer as many individual questions from attendees as time allows.

JCC/Lifestart Special Needs School Fair: October 24th

The JCC Manhattan and NYL Lifestart’s annual Special Needs School Fair will be held on October 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the JCC Manhattan’s building (334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street). This is an important event for parents whose children are approaching transitional moments into elementary school, middle school, or high school—or simply if the current school placement is no longer appropriate. Representatives from special needs private schools serving the New York City community will be there to provide information and answer your questions.

There is no cost to attend for parents. Families can register here.

Register Now for “How to Survive an Impartial Hearing”

When the educational needs of a child with an IEP cannot be met by the public school system, parents sometimes choose to place their child in a private special education program and sue their school district for reimbursement.

In New York City, most tuition reimbursement lawsuits end in settlement, but at some point in a special education student’s schooling years a family may face an impartial hearing. For the parents, as well as the educators, therapists, and the school administrators who care about that child’s educational progress (and may be called to testify), this is often stressful news—and that’s understandable. There is a lot is on the line.

At our half-day conference, “How to Survive an Impartial Hearing” a distinguished group of special education lawyers will help families, teachers, therapists, and school administrators better understand the legal process triggered when these lawsuits are filed and how impartial hearings work in practice.

This free conference will include informative handouts, a full mock hearing, and Q&A opportunities. Coffee/juice and light refreshments will be served. Registration is required as space is limited.

When: Friday, December 1st, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: The Forchelli Center, Brooklyn Law School, 205 State Street, Brooklyn, NY
Questions? Email ekaiser@skyerlaw.com

How to Survive Turning 5: Free Legal Workshops for Parents of Special Needs Children

The Kindergarten transition process is undeniably daunting for families of special needs children—and New York City’s massive bureaucracy doesn’t make it any easier.

A few years ago, our founding partner, Regina Skyer, published a handbook for parents (How to Survive Turning 5). And every year, we hold free legal education workshops so that as many parents as possible can learn how to navigate the so-called “Turning Five” process in New York City.

This year we are offering two free events in October (one in Brooklyn, one in Manhattan). These workshops are designed for parents of preschoolers and interested special education professionals. We will go over independent evaluations, school applications, public program options, IEP meetings, hearings and appeal procedures, and more. We will also answer as many individual questions from attendees as time allows.

MANHATTAN
Tuesday, October 10th, 6 PM – 8 PM
The NYU Child Study Center, One Park Avenue, 7th Floor
Please RSVP via this Eventbrite link. Limited spots are available.

BROOKLYN
Thursday, October 19th, 7 PM – 9 PM
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 58 7th Avenue
Please RSVP via the registration page on the Music Therapy Parent Talks page on the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music website. Limited spots are available.