Nassau BOCES Children's Readiness Center (CRC)

The Children's Readiness Center is a Nassau BOCES special education school in North Bellmore for children with autism spectrum disorders or PDD who need a highly structured learning environment. Classes are small and intensive, and a second site, the Children's Readiness Center at Hicksville, operates on Willet Avenue.

We use Applied Behavior Analysis to shape behavior and teach new skills through repetition and reinforcement, with instruction aimed at on-task school behavior, independence and activities of daily living. Communication is built through a total communication system of spoken words, photographs, pictures, symbols and sign language, and students use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to make requests. Specially trained staff also address mealtime concerns such as a limited food repertoire.

Each child's team includes teachers, social workers, a psychologist, and occupational, physical and speech therapists. All students take adapted physical education and music. Parents receive training through day and evening workshops on skills and behavior strategies, and our social worker leads ongoing support groups. Nassau BOCES, the largest BOCES in New York State, runs 10 special education schools for more than 1,800 students.