In the 1980's educators recognized the need to provide programs designed specifically for students with learning and emotional disabilities. In response to this need, the school established the Van Cleve Program for those children who could not be served in a traditional school setting. In 1986, the school's name was changed to The New York Institute for Special Education to better reflect this expanded focus and commitment to children with a variety of disabilities. In 1987, a program for developmentally delayed pre-schoolers was established called the Readiness Program . The school offers the option of a day treatment program or a five day residential program.
All students return home on weekends and holidays.
An Individualized Education Plan is developed for each student. In addition, a full array of services is provided, which include counseling, career guidance , therapy, individual and team sports and adaptive and recreational activities. Additionally, we have assumed a leadership role as a recipient of the Technology Literacy Challenge Grant which is a federally funded educational technology program to promote the use and integration of technology for classroom teaching, learning and information access. Our grant is designed to assist educators apply the New York State's learning standards to students with disabilities. The New York Institute for Special Education is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York for and on behalf of the State Education Department, and is accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services.