Letters from Parents

Dear Ms. Stamm:

I could not let my son’s speech/feeding therapy end without sending you a note regarding our therapist, B. Matthew bonded with B. immediately and thoroughly enjoyed his sessions with her. I was apprehensive about Matthew receiving “therapy” but my fears were quickly put aside when I witnessed his first session with B.

B. was extremely professional and courteous, but more importantly, has that “special touch” with children. Matthew quickly welcomed B. into his heart and his “voice.” Thanks to her help, I now have a little boy saying “Mommy” and who is quickly becoming a little parrot, who a short time ago, said nothing but “dada.” We owe a great deal of thanks to B. for all she has done for Matthew and she has a very special place in our hearts.

I just want to thank B. and your agency. I would have no reservation in recommending Long Island Infant Developmental Program and B. to any parent. Your agency was recommended to me, and in the future, if the opportunity presents itself, I would highly recommend it to someone else. We would like to send a special “thank you” to B. and we will deeply miss her. I know Matthew is going to miss his sessions. B. is certainly an asset to her profession and to your organization.

Thank you for all your help as my twin boys went through the Early Intervention process. I am writing to tell you how happy my husband and I were with the Long Island Infant Developmental Program. The boys attended a group once a week and they both blossomed. Almost immediately, we noticed a big difference in their confidence when trying to express themselves. S. and her assistants, J. and C., have the patience, dedication and know-how to contribute so much to the development of the children in their care. The boys have started preschool full of enthusiasm!

T. does a wonderful job of leading the mother’s group. She is very sensitive to the different needs and style of parenting and the complex issues parents face when their children have special needs.

I hope your department continues to encourage parents to participate in this program.

Dear Mrs. Stamm:

I am writing to express how pleased I am with the program my son attends at LIIDP. The very first day I arrived to observe a class I was struck by the caring and professional attitudes of everybody I encountered. My observations are confirmed every day I attend a class with my son.

My son’s teacher, S., is a blessing in our lives. Her compassion and understanding of my son is heartwarming. She enables me to attend a separation group feeling comfortable that when I walk out of the classroom, my son is cared for as much as I care for him. I need not say, this is priceless for a parent who has a child with a disability. She never hesitates to hold my son in order to comfort him when he begins to get anxious or when he cries. She does and says exactly what I would if I were in the room.

The assistants in the classroom, C. and J., have immeasurable patience. Their constant smiles are inviting and soothing. I’ve had the fortune of sitting in on many classes due to my son’s separation anxiety and I am always amazed at their ability to maintain composure, confidence and calm in the midst of the occasional meltdown. They are not only wonderful during the stressful moments, but they are infectiously happy and just plain fun to be around.

I also attend the parent’s support group once a week lead by T. T. is actually the first person I encountered, first by telephone, then in person, when considering LIIDP for my son. The first impression I had over the phone was anchored by my first meeting with T. in the classroom setting. She is friendly, open and non-judgmental. Since that first meeting, I have grown to look forward to the parent’s group. It is not only informative but provides an open forum for discussing anything that may be on a parent’s mind. T. is always supportive and helpful, willing to stay beyond the hour if need be. I have been on the receiving end of her friendly embrace after a particularly stressful week and found it extremely comforting.

I have also had the pleasure of dealing with the office staff. There are always smiles to greet us at the door and my son’s affection has grown toward them as well. E. was tremendously helpful especially during our period of transition evaluations. Her help with providing me with the evaluations and making sure my son’s neurologist was also informed was key in making me feel prepared for our CPSE meeting.

In addition, B. have been helpful with making me feel comfortable with my son’s scores and translating what each means so that I fully understand their implications. B.’s emphasis on the low social-emotional scores during the teleconference at the CPSE meeting provided me with the support I needed to advocate for preschool services for my son in September.

Within a week of choosing LIIDP as my evaluation site, I received phone calls to arrange appointments for my son. These prompt calls aided in keeping my stress level to a minimum.

In closing I again wish to thank everyone involved in my son’s care and education. My sleepless nights, worrying about his future, have diminished greatly due to your skills and professionalism.

Thank you.