Best SD for inclusion with PDD within 45 minutes to Huntington

So we are moving to LI from NJ in the next 1-2 months and struggling to find the right town.
I've heard a lot about Half hollow Hills but am not sure if those towns are right for us. So I'd like to consider others. My son with PDD needs an inclusive, integrated school setting. I would like to avoid a collaborative class and would prefer a setting where there are 1-3 kids with IEPs in a general ed classroom with support.

My daughter is very bright (learns fast) and I want to be sure she is in a school that will challenge her.
As a family, we'd prefer to live in or near a town that has some sort of town center or villagy feel and my husband needs to be within about 40 minutes of Huntington hospital.
Is that possible? Please give me your thoughts as I am completely unfamiliar with most of LI.

Thanks!

Re: Best SD for inclusion with PDD within 45 minutes to Huntington

In my district there are inclusion (general education classes with 2 teachers, 1 a special education teacher and 1 regular education teacher) classes across all grade levels. There are also self-contained special education classes for children with more needs.

Most children with IEPs are placed in "collaborative" classes because there are more adults in the room, more aides, and they are better able to meet each childs (those with IEPS and "typical kids").

Feel free to FM me

Re: Best SD for inclusion with PDD within 45 minutes to Huntington

In an inclusion class on LI you are going to get a lot more than 3 kids with an IEP in that class. More like 6 or more, depending on the class size. Half Hollow Hills has an excellent reputation for special education services, but I have no idea of their class sizes. You CAN call the district and ask the makeup, but that won't help you for the fall, because that can change.

In our district, my son was in a consultant teacher direct class for 4th and 5th grade (they called in it inclusion). The special ed teacher pushed in for 45 minutes a day. There were about 5 or so kids with an IEP in there. There was one full time aide.

Message edited 5/29/2013 1:56:05 PM.

Best SD for inclusion with PDD within 45 minutes to Huntington

As the pp stated, you will definitely get more than 3 children with IEPs in an inclusion class. Our district also has the direct teacher consult classes starting from K through High School as well as self contained classrooms. They also allow a child to be placed in a general education classroom with support. DD is PDD-NOS and also very academically advanced. She will be in GenEd classroom next year with an aide. School districts have multiple placements and a good district will work with your child on what is the best for them.

Half Hollow Hills is an excellent district for special ed. I have heard good things about Commack, I think my own is great as well, Three Village. My suggestion is to contact the SEPTAs for each of the districts you are interested in and they can give you some guidance. Good luck!

Re: Best SD for inclusion with PDD within 45 minutes to Huntington

I live in Lindenhurst and we have a fantastic special education program here! DD is PDD-NOS and has thrived. She is in an inclusion class. They have a maximum of 6 children with IEPS in those classes.