See program descriptions.

Dance Mania   

Each Dance Mania class will include a chance to move to the beat and learn different types of dance moves. Depending on interest, the group will learn basic ballet (to stretch and limber up) as well as jazz, hip hop, dance routines and party dancing (such as the cha cha slide).

Emunah Special Needs After School Programs   

The Butler Special Needs Center (Emunah) provides afterschool social and recreational programs for children with a variety of special needs including attention deficit disorder, speech and language delays, developmentally delays and autism. The group learns about social skills while participating in recreational activities, immediately reinforcing the skills each child needs to work on. The programs stress group interaction and socialization skills as well as individual gains in fine and gross motor skills, speech and language and just having fun. Activities include gym, swim, arts and crafts, cooking and homework help. Groups consist of children of varied ages with a range of abilities. Staff are carefully selected to allow the participants to reach their maximum capacity.

Transportation is not included, although individual school districts may provide transportation. Parents will be required to fill out Participant Profiles and submitting medical forms prior to attending the first session. Staff in the Special Needs Center are special education teachers, recreation therapists and adults or students with experience and interest in working with a special needs population. Fees are based on monthly payments. Please call Eileen to arrange for a screening and for fee information.

The Butler Special Needs Center follows the Commack School District Calendar. If school is not in session, there will be no afterschool program that day. Please see vacation programs for additional activities on selected vacation days.

Butler Special Needs Afterschool Program Rates

Days per week          Member          Non-Member
1                                 $107                 $135
2                                 $191                 $238
3                                 $255                 $313
4                                 $301                 $383
5                                 $337                 $458

For more information, contact Eileen Schneyman at 631-462-9800 ext. 113.

Fitness Fun   

Back by popular demand, Fitness Fun is a low impact exercise program for children, tweens and teens (ages 8 and up) with special needs. Join our energetic staff and get moving to be fit. Activities will include stretching, hip-hop aerobics, walking/jogging, free choice gym time and maybe even some Zumba! A great way to get off the couch and start moving during the cold months.

Parent Seminar Series   

A series of seminars of interest to parents of children with special needs. These seminars are free and open to the entire community.

College Options and Transitions - November 16th at 7:30pm

The Special Needs Trust: Planning For A Disabled Dependent - February 15th at 7:30pm

Residential Options - Where Do I Begin? - Date to be announced

Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver? - Date to be announced.

Saturday Night Club   

A once a month chance to hang out with your friends at the JCC in a lounge atmosphere. Ping pong, fooseball, playstation, DVD movies and games await us!

Summer Camp Programs   

A variety of summer programs for children ages 4-16 are available at the JCC for children and teens with special needs.

Please call Eileen Schneyman for more information at 631-462-9800 ext. 113.

Sunday Supper Club   

A once a month chance to prepare and eat dinner here at the JCC. Basic cooking/measuring skills will be taught as well as working together as a group! Bring yourself and your appetite!

Support Groups for Siblings of Special Needs Children   

A support group for the child who has a sibling with special needs. Led by a trained leader, this group gives the participants a chance to explore their feelings and receive support and friendship from others in a similar situation. Topics are decided upon by the group and groups are formed by the age of the participants.

Teen & Tween Social Groups (includes Girls Day Out)   

Recreation and support groups for tweens and teens (ages 12-18) will allow the high functioning special needs child to participate in a 'youth group' program. Led by trained staff, these groups will allow the participants to become involved in a fun group which will increase their social skills through group discussion and recreational activities. Participants will help to plan the activities for their twice monthly meetings. Trips that may be planned may carry an additional fee.

This group meets approximately two Sundays a month.

Teen Discussion Group   

An evening for the teens to learn about and discuss teen issues such as social issues, school issues and sexuality geared especially for our teens with special needs. Information will be given and there will be plenty of opportunities for the teens to ask questions. Discussions regarding appropriate behaviors within their peer group will also be part of the evening.

Vacation Programs   

During select school vacations, programs are available for the special needs child. Each day may include swim, gym, a show, arts and crafts, cooking, music or a trip. Certain children may be eligible to be mainstreamed into the Junior Division Vacation Programs with staff shadows (this may require an additional fee). All children who are not part of the afterschool programs MUST be interviewed prior to the program to determine group placement.

Young Adult Social Program   

An evening program emphasizing physical fitness and socialization for the young adult with special needs who no longer attends school. Gym, swim, games and crafts are all included.