Best Special Needs Schools in Island Park, New York (2026)

Our children bake bread, tend an organic garden and play outdoors every day, rain included. Little Garden by the Sea is a Lifeways aligned nursery program in Island Park, and the North American Association for Environmental Education recognizes us as a nature preschool within its Natural Start Alliance. We are also members of the Child Care Council of Nassau. The morning program runs Monday through Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for children 2.5 to 4 years old. Our approach draws on Waldorf education: rhythm, seasonal songs, storytelling, puppetry and free play with open-ended toys made of natural materials. We add Reggio Emilia inspired provocations that follow the children's interests, along with wet-on-wet watercolor painting. Snack is organic fruit with bread the children knead themselves, plus chamomile or lemon balm tea picked from our garden. Leftovers go to our worm compost, which in turn feeds the garden beds.

• Nature preschool (Waldorf-inspired)
• Waldorf-inspired education
• Nature-based preschool
• Reggio Emilia inspired

Our Learning Environment is a distinguished early childhood center dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of toddlers and preschoolers, particularly those with unique learning needs. Serving children aged 17 months to 4 years, the center is designed to support a diverse range of developmental challenges, including language-based learning disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of academic instruction and play-based learning, ensuring that each child engages in a structured yet flexible environment that promotes exploration and creativity. Under the guidance of Danielle Urrego, a New York State Certified School Psychologist and Special Education Teacher, the school implements innovative programs that prioritize intellectual stimulation through sensory experiences, movement, art, and storytelling. The Toddler Transition Class provides an ideal setting for younger children to gradually acclimate to a school environment, while the Clever Caterpillars and Brilliant Butterflies classes focus on fostering social skills, language development, and independence through thematic units tailored to their interests. What sets Our Learning Environment apart is its commitment to eco-friendly practices combined with a low student-teacher ratio that ensures personalized attention for each child. The center's endorsement from the Eco-Healthy Child Care Council reflects its dedication to providing a safe and healthy space for learning. Strong family partnerships are also emphasized, creating a supportive community where parents feel valued and engaged in their child's educational journey. This holistic approach not only cultivates academic readiness but also instills a lifelong love for learning in every child who walks through its doors.

• Preschool
• Learning differences
• Private school