Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf was established in 1951 to help Deaf children unlock their potential through quality education. Our specially-trained staff, carefully structured programs and access to the newest technologies give our students the academic knowledge and confidence they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Our care for each child does not end when the school day does. We are also committed to the people who are a regular part of the child's life: the family.

For almost 200 years, the residents of New York State have relied on the expertise of a unique group of schools to provide educational services to children who are Deaf, blind or physically disabled. These schools are known as the 4201 Schools. Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf is one of eleven 4201 Schools located throughout New York State. Each school has its own Board of Directors, receives financial support for operating expenses from New York State and depends on private donations for program enhancements. There are no charges to parents for educational costs.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

The Mill Neck Manor Infant/Toddler Program serves the needs of children from birth to age three that are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, including children who are multiply disabled.

An interdisciplinary team of specialists in the fields of education, speech and language, rehabilitation and counseling combine their efforts to aid the development of each child. Emphasis is placed on learning language naturally through audition, speech, speech reading, sign language and fingerspelling. Parents, teachers and an audiologist work to properly evaluate and fit infants and toddlers with hearing aids as early as possible. A method of communication is chosen by this team based on the child’s need and hearing loss and implemented in the home and in school.

Parent training is an essential component to the Infant/Toddler program. Parents are active participants during each class and therapy session. Working side by side with the teacher and therapist, parents develop a strong understanding of their child’s language development and hearing impairment, allowing them to become effective advocates for their children throughout their school years.

Infant Program - Birth to 18 Months
The primary goal of the Infant Program is to assist parents in understanding and supporting their child’s development. Parents bring their infant to Mill Neck Manor each week to work with a team of specialists who help them understand the special needs and developmental patterns of a Deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Weekly home visits for children up to a year old help families learn how to apply the techniques and principles learned in the school sessions to the home environment. Looking at a family’s daily routine and helping them to integrate their child’s learning into the natural environment has proven to be essential.

All members of the family, including siblings, are expected to be active participants during the home visits and classroom sessions. Parents whose children are enrolled in this program meet regularly, both formally and informally, to share their feelings and experiences.

Toddler Program - 18 Months to 3 Years
The Toddler Program is based on the same practices and goals as the Infant Program. Children come to the program for extended times each week for play activities that encourage physical, intellectual and communication development and parents continue to be actively involved in the activities, discussions and workshops. School sessions become longer as the child is able to respond to his/her surroundings and peers, preparing them for preschool. Home visits also continue in the Toddler Program if a family enters the program after the first year, or a specific intervention is needed to support a family. The essence of this program is the partnership that is developed between families and the school professionals.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

As in our Infant/Toddler program, parent participation in the preschool program is paramount. All parents are strongly encouraged to participate at least monthly in classroom and speech sessions. During these visits, parents participate in activities that can be brought into the home. The parent and school professionals have an opportunity to informally compare and assess the child’s progress across settings ensuring accurate goal setting.

The children in the preschool programs have an opportunity to participate in structured art activities, library, music and ongoing literacy experiences. They have access to an indoor gymnasium and an outside playground supporting gross motor and social skills as well as language development.

Preschool Program/Total Communication
Designed for three and four year olds, this program was created to help profoundly Deaf children. We offer a positive and structured environment that supports a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the New York State preschool standards. Our teachers collaborate with speech therapists to foster and develop each young child's communication and language skills. Using a child center approach and creative integrated unit plans, teachers provide each child with on-going language opportunities that develop readiness skills both cognitively and emotionally.

A positive approach is used throughout the program and ongoing communication with families continues. Teachers and parents meet monthly to discuss each child's progress and to find ways for parents to apply in the home the skills being taught in the classroom. Sign classes and parent workshops are offered on a monthly basis. This program requires a parent commitment to learning the sign skill level necessary for effective communication at home. Students participate in one-on-one speech therapy four to five times a week.

Preschool Program/Integrated Oral Program
The Integrated Auditory/Oral preschool program, for three and four-year-old children, features a unique opportunity for typical and hearing impaired children to learn side by side in a school for the Deaf. This program's curriculum is based on the developmental expectations and goals of the Total Communication program; however no sign language is used. Specifically for children with cochlear implants and good hearing aid users, the program provides parents with another option for their child to be successful in a hearing and speaking world.

The Integrated Auditory/Oral program follows a strict oral/aural communication approach, and Deaf students are provided with one-to-one speech therapy five times a week. In conjunction with a comprehensive education program, parents are involved in their child's receptive and expressive language development. Parent training and parent support groups are required.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

The Elementary Program follows a rigorous academic curriculum that abides by the New York State standards. Teacher instruction is guided by ongoing informal and formal data collection. Critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills, as well as speech and language skills are focused on throughout the school day. Reading and writing skills are heavily stressed throughout the curricula and through a daily three-hour literacy block, during which students participate in reading and writing workshops, and word study. The core curricula of math, social studies and science are also integrated into the literacy block as well.

During their elementary years, students participate in art, computers, physical education, library and media/technology skills, and health. Weekly class meetings are held to support character development. The small student-to-staff ratio in the classrooms allows for individualized attention and ensures that each child's specific needs are being met.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

The academic curricula for the Junior High School Program follow the New York State guidelines, and students participate in all New York State assessments. Along with the strong academic curriculum, Deaf students between the ages of 13 and 15 receive instruction in art, computer literacy, library and information skills, health, and physical education. Emphasis is also placed on the study skills and good work habits that they will need in the High School program. Ongoing sessions with a school counselor and classroom meetings help enhance social skills and the ability to resolve interpersonal conflicts. Literacy and language development continue to be an integral part of the academic program.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

The Mill Neck Manor High School is fully accredited by the New York State Board of Regents. We offer students Regents diplomas, local diplomas, and IEP (Individualized Education Plan) diplomas.

Regents and Local Diploma Candidates
For students to earn a Regents Diploma, they must pass the Regents examinations as well as earn the credits as established by the New York State Board of Regents and the State Education Department. Students who earn the required credits but do not pass the Regents examinations may earn a local diploma by passing the State's Regents Competency Tests (RCTs). The State examinations are given in Science, Global Studies, American History and Government, Reading, Writing and Math. Tutoring sessions are available to all students. The Academic High School offers students who meet certain academic criteria the opportunity to attend mainstream classes at their local school districts.

Students are also able to participate in electives and technology courses such as Media I, II, and III, Web Design, Broadcasting, Journalism, Drawing and Painting, and Law. During the summer program, students participate in course work that focuses on household management, career exploration, and money management.

IEP Diploma Candidates
Mill Neck Manor High School also has a work-study program. Students receive academic instruction in all curricula areas; however life-skills training and job preparation can begin at age 18. Before graduation, students will complete job experiences, ranging from volunteer work to full-time, paid employment.

As the students enter their senior year, they are introduced to VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) and Mill Neck Services for Deaf Adults. These agencies support families and students during their adult transition.

BOCES Program
Students enrolled in either the Academic High School or work-study program may have the opportunity to participate in a Vocational/BOCES program. Students spend half of their day taking academic courses at Mill Neck and the other half at the BOCES program, where they can earn certificates in areas such as computer graphics, cosmetology, computer repair and auto body. These decisions are jointly made at the local school district.

Multiply Disabled Program
Students ages 5-21, who are Deaf, functionally Deaf, and have other disabilities, such as autism, receive a wide array of services in this small, consistent program. To be enrolled, students must require a program for the Deaf where sign communication is utilized throughout the day. The small teacher-student ratio assists in individualizing each student’s needs and ensures that goals are met based on daily classroom data. The ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills), an assessment/curriculum guide is used to determine student goals and one-on-one teaching opportunities which are generalized into the natural environment. Students in this program complete the New York State Alternative Assessment and participate in the New York State Curriculum/Standards for Students with Severe Disabilities.

S.T.E.P.S. Program
S.T.E.P.S. (Students and Teachers Experiencing Progress and Success) is designed to support students with severe behavioral issues that conflict with their ability to function in other school programs. Based on a six-tier system, the program allows students to take responsibility for their actions and internalize impulse control. The program is geared towards students earning an IEP diploma. The goal is for students to transition into other programs offered at Mill Neck, allowing them to meet post-secondary outcomes with success.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

Mill Neck Manor students can participate in basketball, cheerleading, softball, track and field, and volleyball. We compete against schools with both hearing and Deaf students in several leagues.

Our Extended Day Program is two hours after school for students (ages six to twenty-one) to pursue personal interests, such as tutoring, cooking, computers, arts and crafts, Girl Scouts, and performing arts, in a safe, caring environment. Extended Day classes are determined by our students’ ages and areas of interest.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

Our six-week summer program offers intensive instruction in academic areas in which students need extra help and ensures no substantial regression of skills over the summer. Speech, physical and occupational therapy are also provided. The program is enhanced by special projects, field trips physical education. Academic high school students are not required to attend, contingent upon successful completion of coursework.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

In addition to classroom teachers and special teachers for art, physical education, computer and library, students have access to psychologists, a registered nurse, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language specialists, school counselors and social workers.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

The State Educational Department has mandated transitional plans for all students 14 years and older. Mill Neck Manor believes that every student's transitional planning should begin as soon as the child enters school. Transition is a child-centered, lifelong process. Each year, as part of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process, parents are invited to participate in the transitional planning along with their child, school personnel and community service providers. As team members, parents and children will learn advocacy skills that will enable them to be aware of and to exercise their rights.

There are school counselors, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and job coaches to assist in the areas of employment, independent living and vocational education. The Mill Neck Manor Transitional Team, with the assistance of the student’s school district, is responsible for providing and coordinating educational opportunities and services to facilitate successful transition from school to the outside world for each student.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

Parents are key members of the educational team and are strongly encouraged to take an active role in their child's schooling. This initiative facilitates a relationship between school and home by providing parents with training and support groups. Parents' participation in their child's schooling and open communication between teachers, specialists and parents is the goal. We also offer weekly sign language classes for parents in English and Spanish, as well as monthly parent meetings for information and support.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.

If a child is identified as Deaf, Functionally Deaf or disabled, the following procedure is adhered to:

1. Parents fill out an application form and forward with a new audiological.
2. The State Department reviews the application and approves an evaluation.
3. Parent(s) and child come to Mill Neck Manor for an evaluation. This includes psychological, educational, speech and language, social history, and occupational and physical therapy assessments (if necessary).
4. Mill Neck Manor sends the evaluation to the child's school district.
5. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) meeting is held. If the CSE/CPSE decides that the placement is appropriate, they develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and a form is sent to the State Education Department confirming acceptance by the School District and Mill Neck.
6. The State Education Department then appoints the child to Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf.
7. There are no direct costs to the school district, the county or the parent for education of a student at Mill Neck Manor. The State of New York covers most of the costs and remainder is given by generous donations.

If you would like more information about Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, please email info@millneck.org or call 516-922-4100.