Long Island

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

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