Best Special Needs Schools in Commack, New York (2026)

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool has served children from birth through age five in Commack for over 30 years, and is approved by the New York State Education Department as a special education facility and evaluation site. Programs include integrated preschool and nursery classes, special education preschool classes in full day (5 hour) and half day (2.5 hour) formats, a toddler separation class, childcare options, and summer programs. The autism program uses Applied Behavior Analysis in classes staffed at 8:1:2, with teachers trained on an ongoing basis under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, plus integrated socialization groups, weekly family training, and parent support groups. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, SEIT and related services, and diagnostic evaluations are available. Curriculum follows New York State learning standards.

The Martin C. Barell School, run by Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA), opened in January 1993 and provides a full-day, twelve-month program for school-age children with autism, ages five to twenty-one. The school enrolls a maximum of twenty-five students with an instructor-to-student ratio of 1 to 1.5, and its small size and high staffing levels allow a significant degree of individualization for each student. The highly structured program is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, in which each child has behaviorally defined and measurable goals. Progress is reviewed regularly so teaching procedures can be adapted immediately, and each student's program is designed to teach pre-academic and academic skills, communication, recreation, socialization, and daily living skills. Instruction takes place across multiple settings, including the classroom, the home, and the community, with careful attention to generalizing skills. Parents play an integral role and receive extensive training in behavioral theory and teaching techniques so they can support their child's progress at home and in the community.