Stanley Black & Decker and the Envision Virgin Racing Team created a unique racing experience for kids with autism spectrum disorder at the ABB FIA Formula E Racing Championship New York E Prix on July 13-14. The quiet race aimed to advance inclusion and foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. Kids and their families received a special behind-the-scenes garage tour and a special race-day experience that accommodated all sensory sensitivities. Guests were also given the opportunity to learn about STEM careers in motorsports.

Jul 15, 2019

Whitby School Names Dr. Jack Creeden as Interim Head of School

Whitby School in Greenwich, Connecticut named Dr. John “Jack” Creeden as its Interim Head of School on July 15. Creeden was chosen from a pool of distinguished candidates for his experience and leadership in independent schools. He was recently Head of School at Chadwick School, an independent K-12 school in California, and previously served as president of School Year Abroad, where he was responsible for the leadership and administration of the school’s one-year language immersion program in four schools in China, France, Italy, and Spain. Creeden served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Independent Schools from 2012-2015.

Jul 15, 2019

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts is Opening a New Hyde Park Location

This summer, Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts is expanding to New Hyde Park with a new center-based location that offers behavior intervention services using the principles of applied behavior analysis, including an interim alternative placement for home instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders. The New Hyde Park location will be unique because it will offer early intervention and preschool programming to child 18 months and older. Marra & Glick’s goal is to help its students transition back into their recommended school placements.

Jul 15, 2019

14-Year-Old Helps Launch Book Vending Machines for Kids Across NYC

Six vending machines offering free books to kids who want to avoid the summer slump opened across the five boroughs on July 11. 14-year-old Marley Dias from West Orange, NJ helped to unveil the machines and emphasized the books are free for everyone. Kids can take whichever books they are interested in, and don’t have to return them. The vending machines are part of Jet Blue’s Soar with Reading program. The machines aim to promote reading in toddlers up through teenagers, especially in underserved communities of the city.

Jul 12, 2019

How to Hire a Great Nanny

This expert-approved advice makes it simple to find a great caregiver.

Inclusive Activities and Events for Children with Special Needs in NYC

Children with special needs, disabilities, or sensory issues can face certain challenges when it comes to connecting with peers and making friends, especially when many are uncomfortable or unable to participate in all kid-friendly activities. Here, a list of kid-friendly venues in New York City and its boroughs, including museums and the public libraries, that dedicate time and space for children with special needs and all abilities to have fun, play, and most importantly, and interact and make friends with each other.

Apr 24, 2019

5 Ways to See Dinosaurs in New York City and Beyond

Indulge your kids' dinosaur obsession this summer with any of these fun outdoor activities taking place across the Tri-State area.

Apr 26, 2019

Awesome Family Events Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

Looking to plan an awesome weekend packed with fun for the whole family? Whether you are planning a day trip in close to the New York metro area or are looking for kid-friendly fun that's close to home, we've got you covered! There’s a lot of kid-friendly family fun planned for this weekend right here in Nassau County. From concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, and parades, you'll find something to do that keeps the whole family having fun! Plan your weekend on Long Island with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly events happening in and around Nassau County, including family fun in and near Uniondale, Wantagh, East Meadow, Roslyn Harbor, Bellmore, Garden City, Mineola, Rockville Centre, Syosset, Westbury, Farmingdale, Hempstead, Plainview, Woodbury, and Jericho.

Jul 15, 2019

Making a Plan for Your Child with Special Needs' Life

In Susan Platkin’s eyes, self-direction has always been the only acceptable path for her daughter Ruth. Ruth is 32 and has intellectual disabilities and bipolar disorder, and despite her unique challenges now lives in an apartment in East Northport, not far from Platkin, with a roommate and staff—and is loving it. Platkin does not believe this accomplishment would be possible without self-direction or Ruth’s Life Plan, a newer Office for People with Developmental Disabilities service that gives her an active voice in her future. For parents of children with special needs, the future can be frightening instead of exciting—but Life Plans, also called Person-Centered Service Plans, are a way to ensure children with disabilities can tackle adulthood and have access to the same fulfillment as neurotypical children.

Apr 26, 2019

NYC Students Now Have Option to Change Their Name, Gender, Without Legal Documentation

Starting with the upcoming school year, students attending New York City public schools are no longer required to show any legal documents in order to change their name and/or gender on their permanent school records, according to a press release from the NYC Department of Education. Chancellor Richard Carranza made this announcement on June 28 in an effort to provide the “most comprehensive and affirming” guidelines to support transgender and “gender expansive” students. While the new rule still requires students to obtain permission from their parent or guardian before they make any changes, Carranza said that this regulation aims to, ”ensure that students’ identities are affirmed, respected, and supported in schools.”

Jul 11, 2019

New Head Lice Clinic Offers Super-Fast Removal

Millions of kids throughout the United States get head lice every year. If your child has head lice, there’s no reason to feel guilty. But lice are creepy, and you don’t want your lice-infested child to be stigmatized or to miss days at school or fun on the weekends. The first question on your mind is probably “What’s the fastest way to get rid of head lice?” If you know that lice eggs quickly become live lice, then you’re probably wondering, “What’s the fastest way to get rid of head lice and eggs”?

Mar 27, 2018

Stanley Black & Decker Hosted a “Quiet Race” for Kids with Autism as Part of Initiative with Autism Speaks

Jul 15, 2019

Whitby School Names Dr. Jack Creeden as Interim Head of School

Jul 15, 2019

Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts is Opening a New Hyde Park Location

Jul 15, 2019

14-Year-Old Helps Launch Book Vending Machines for Kids Across NYC

Jul 12, 2019

The Mets Will Host First-Ever Inclusion Day at Citi Field

SO Fun City, an organization provides inclusive enrichment programming that suits the needs of all children, has teamed up with the New York Mets to host the first-ever Inclusion Day at Citi Field on August 7. The event will feature a pre-game carnival inside the stadium with activities that are modified to meet all kids’ needs and abilities. SO Fun City’s founders, a board certified behavioral analyst and a professional magician, created the event when they realized the extent of the city’s need for inclusive programming. Beyond Inclusion Day at Citi Field, the company has worked with schools, camps, and organizations to create programming, and provides training to schools and camps so staff can better understand how to respond to certain behaviors in kids, be more inclusive, and work to decrease bullying.

Jul 12, 2019