| From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Families and Friends,
The fall session is here! Across Brookville Center, students are discovering new ways to learn, exploring interests, and building new friendships. These experiences are supported by the strong partnership between families and school staff, both in and outside of the classroom.
From learning through play to celebrating new accomplishments, so much of a student’s experience is shaped by the community around them. This fall, there are several ways for families, staff, and friends to come together and strengthen this community:
· Help make families’ voices heard. Through Brookville Center’s Advocacy Center, families can learn more about issues impacting children with developmental disabilities and delays — and take action to help lawmakers understand why strong, sustained services matter.
· Help us celebrate our wonderful BCCS team. We recently highlighted Direct Support Professionals in the 2026 DSP Recognition Book for DSP Week, but appreciation doesn’t have to be limited to one week. If a teacher, clinician, or staff member has made a meaningful difference for your child or family, we would love to hear about it! Share your story anytime at engage@brookvillecenter.org.
· Join us at the AHRC Foundation Walk, Sunday, October 25 at Eisenhower Park, for a family-friendly celebration bringing together children and adults with developmental disabilities, families, friends, staff, and community partners.
Thank you for being part of the Brookville Center community and for all you do to support our students as they learn and grow.
Best regards, |
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| | | A New School Year Begins for BCCS! |
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| | Tuesday, September 8, marked the start of a new school year at the Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS), as students returned to the classroom, met teachers and classmates, and settled into the routines that will shape the months ahead. |
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| | | Sweet Treats and Meet and Greets: Round Hill Road School Host Parents at Meet the Teacher Night |
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| With teachers to meet, classrooms to explore, and plenty of sweet treats to share, Round Hill Road School welcomed families for its first Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, September 17. |
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| This fall, Round Hill Road welcomed nearly 100 new students, bringing dozens of families into the school community. Meet the Teacher Night gave parents an opportunity to connect with the people and resources supporting their children and ask questions as the year gets underway. |
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| | | Brookville Center for Children’s Services Celebrates
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week |
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| | At Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS), we deeply appreciate the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for the health, safety, and happiness of every young person living at the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) in Lido Beach and Wantagh. From Sunday, September 13 to Saturday, September 19, we celebrated DSP Recognition Week. It was a special time to express our gratitude, share DSP stories, and enjoy moments of joy and connection as we recognized their important role in helping every child achieve their best.
“You champion every milestone and help each person build a life and future that matters to them,” said Cassie Bradshaw, the Director of the CRP, in our DSP Week 2026 Appreciation video. |
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| | | Remembering the 25th Anniversary of September 11 |
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| On the 25th anniversary of September 11, the Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) community came together to remember the lives lost, honor the bravery of first responders, and recognize the many people who have since faced lasting health impacts.
BCCS schools marked the anniversary with moments of remembrance and reflection on a day when New Yorkers and people across the nation came together with compassion and unity. |
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| The observance was part of a program held across our family of organizations, including AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited, bringing our wider community together to recognize and reflect on this important anniversary.
Twenty-five years later, remembrance continues to connect us to the events of September 11. At BCCS, we remember and honor all who were impacted while carrying forward lessons of courage and service. |
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| | | The Inform Me Educational Workshop Series provides families and people with disabilities with practical guidance and reliable information to help them navigate the IDD system, access services, and address challenges along the way. Offered throughout the year, each workshop focuses on topics that people and families are actively navigating—supporting informed decision-making and helping them feel more confident as they advocate for themselves or their family member.
Upcoming Workshops:
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| | | | Fall Community Classes & Events at the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center
The Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms and Arts Center offers welcoming, hands-on opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn, create, and connect. From art and agriculture to wellness and creative expression, programs encourage people to explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment. View the fall schedule.
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| Open Farm Hours
Saturdays & Sundays |10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Stroll the farm independently and enjoy the beautiful scenery and animals. Please check in before entering the farm grounds. Sign in at the front entrance and pick up a farm activity sheet.
Farm Animal Academy
6 sessions – October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7 & 14 |11:00am – 12:00pm
Join our exciting 6-week Saturday program for children ages 5-12! Each week, participants will meet a different farm animal and learn fun facts about their behavior, habitat, and daily care.
Cost: $50 per child for 6-week program.
A Tiny Fall Farm Adventure (Ages 3-5)
Sunday October 25 |10:30 am – 11:30 am
Bring the little ones for an hour of fall fun! Children will take a playful walk around the farm searching for different seasonal farm items along the way. Once they find a pumpkin, they can decorate it to bring it home!
Cost: $10
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. View fall events |
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| | | SAVE THE DATE for our second annual fundraising walk, bringing together children, families, and staff part of the BCCS community for a day of connection and celebration.
Learn more & register TODAY!
$20 Registration for Adults
$15 Registration for Children (12 & under) |
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| | | | | The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small! |
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| | | Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Spring Sale |
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| | A new season is creeping in, and so is the Fall Collection at Wheatley Farms! Get ready for cozy, seasonal merchandise including fall-inspired apparel, totes, mugs and more.
For those who like their fall with a little spooky spirit, keep an eye out for the ghost-themed T-shirt—perfect for coffee lovers, Halloween fans, and anyone ready to embrace spooky season!
Whether you're shopping for yourself or picking up a unique fall gift, there's even more reason to feel good about your purchase. |
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