The administration hierarchy for the majority of New York State public school districts is anchored by county-level associations called BOCES, which stands for Board of Cooperative Educational Services. BOCES function as an extension of local school districts, providing a wide spectrum of instructional and administrative services at the request of local districts. Administered by a superintendent, the BOCES assists and empowers individual school districts by orchestrating the regional sharing of resources. New York City does not operate under the BOCES organization but divides its vast territory into regions, each with a Regional Superintendent. Charter Schools may be found throughout the state, providing parents, teachers, and community leader a chance to forge new and better ways to receive a public education. These schools operate with freedoms associated with private institutions but are public and charge no tuition.
Registration Requirements
Enrollment and transfer requirements for all public school students are as follows: birth certificate, last report card and transcripts from previous schools. Physician-signed immunization proof in the proper doses for DPT, polio, rubella, measles, mumps, hepatitis B, Hib, and varicella is necessary. A tuberculin skin test is also required for new students entering the public school system on the middle level. New students registering in New York for the first time must also have a physical exam including a blood lead test.
The New York State Department of Education mandate for youngsters beginning public school instruction is five years of age by December 31 of the current school year. However, the cut-off deadline may vary with individual school districts. Contact the specific school district where your child will be attending school for detailed information. A wealth of information about public education in New York is available from the New York State Education Department.
University of the State of New York
State Education Department
Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education
518-474-5915
www.emsc.nysed.gov
Child Care
Securing quality child care is one of the highest priorities for any working parent or guardian. Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies or CCRRs provide services to parents and day care providers in every county of New York State. For more information, contact the nearest CCRR directly:
Child Care Council of Nassau
925 Hempstead Turnpike
Franklin Square
516-358-9250
Referral Services
516-358-9288
www.childcarenassau.org
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
In addition to operating a well-administrated and well-supported public education system, the region is home to a number of excellent private and parochial schools. These alternative educational environments provide instructional alternatives that are highly individualized, innovative, or religiously centered.
For further information on accredited private or parochial schools, the following resources may be helpful:
New York Department of Education
Non-Public School Services
Albany 518-474-3879
www.emsc.nysed.gov
Online Directory of Public and Non-Public Schools
http://nysed.gov/admin/bedsdata.html
Roman Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Department of Education
New York 212-371-1011
www.ny-archdiocese.org
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Superintendent of Schools
Rockville Centre
516-678-5800
www.drvc.org