Introducing the Bronx Parent Center & eNews

Welcome to the first edition of the Bronx Parent Center eNews!

The Bronx Parent Center Without Walls is a New York State Education Department (NYSED) Special Education Parent Center. A collaboration between Resources for Children with Special Needs, Jewish Child Care Association and Advocates for Children, we offer free trainings, education and assistance for parents of children with special needs in the Bronx. 

Click here to learn more about the Parent Center's services.

To schedule free presentations at your Bronx school, parent group or community organization, please e-mail the Bronx Parent Center or call us at (212) 677-4650.

Choose from our new menu of free trainings that are available for your school, parent group or community organization!  Click here to see the Parent Center's menus of trainings and services.

To download, print, and distribute copies of the menu, click here for English and here for Spanish.

Spotlight on Services
Informed Parents Make All the Difference

Angelica is six years old and has multiple disabilities. She receives home instruction because she is  too medically fragile to travel. Angelica had IEP authorizations for physical and occupational therapy by the Department of Education (DOE), but the therapists that Angelica's mother contacted were unable to make home visits. Her mom was discouraged and believed that therapy was simply not available.

Through the Bronx Parent Center Without Walls, Angelica's mother learned who to call. She contacted the DOE's Office of Related and Contractual Services and Office of Home Instruction.

Angelica now receives physical and occupational therapy at home. She is learning to hold her cup, turn the pages in her picture book and navigate around her family's apartment with more independence.

From the Bronx Parent Center Blog
Kindergarten Season is Here!

Now is the time to submit a kindergarten application if your child is turning five this year. Kindergarten registration is recommended for all parents, including those that have children with disabilities. In addition to registering at your zoned school, you can also apply for admission at other schools.

Key Dates

• Feb 1 - March 12, 2010: Submit your application
• March 22, 2010: Schools notify families about assignment offer
• April 12 - 23, 2010: Kindergarten pre-registration period (with child)

Key Facts

• All children born between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 who are residents of New York City are eligible to apply and attend a NYC public kindergarten program in the 2010-2011 school year.

• Information about your zoned school and other schools in your area can be found on the Department of Education website. Use the School & Zone Finder page.

• Registration and application are for general education seats. But since kindergarten registration can occur earlier than IEP meetings for children with disabilities, it is safer and gives parents more choice if they participate in the application and registration process.  Many children with special needs are in general education classes with supports and services, and if a child does require a special education class, the parent may accept a different school later in the process.

• At present, there is no application process for special education seats at the kindergarten level, but your chances of getting the school of your choice increases when you participate in the general application process.

• Parents should go directly to the schools they are interested in - it is not necessary to bring your child - to request applications. Please see the DOE website for a list of documents required to establish proof of residence and age of your child.