FAQ


		Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I know if Harbor Haven is the right summer program for my child? Answer: First, spend some time talking to the director about your child’s issues and the expectations you have for a summer program. During this discussion, you will learn about the children who do attend Harbor Haven and you will compare your child’s school placement to the program. Next, you will set up a time for the director to meet your child. IEP’s and supportive reports about your child may be reviewed by the director to determine if the placement is a good match. If you are considering us for a future summer, you should try to visit Harbor Haven while it is in session. At Harbor Haven, we want the fit to be right for each child.



	Question: Will the director give an honest assessment of whether she feels Harbor Haven is right for my child? Answer: Absolutely. We want parents and children to be happy. Harbor Haven works well for children who are on the mild to moderate end of the special education spectrum. Most of the children attending our program have been diagnosed with attention deficit issues, Asperger’s, mild PDD or have learning, speech or social delays.


		Question: With all of the discussion over inclusion and mainstreaming, why should I consider sending my child to a place that is designated for children with special needs? Answer: Many children have not met with success in “typical programs” for a variety of reasons. A child’s summer program should be stress-free, successful, and fun but should also build skills and prevent regression. Your child should be able to develop friendships there. If you find a typical summer program that can accomodate your child and deliver these expectations then that is great! Harbor Haven offers much of the same programming as typical summer programs, while providing so much more. We add academic reinforcement, social skills training and facilitation, language and communication groups as well as sensory motor groups. Individual speech and occupational therapies are available. Our skilled staff members are both nuturing and structured.



			Question: How many children are in a group? Answer: In our pre-school division called, Bright Beginnings, there are 7 or 8 children per group. The staff to child ratio is 1:3 or better. For children ages 6 and up there are 8 or 10 children per group, with a 1:3 staff to child ratio. Children with issues generally do better in smaller groups with more staff to attend to their needs.

Question: Are there any scholarships available?

Answer: Harbor Haven is a private program, therefore no scholarships are available. Check with your school district to see if any funding is available for a summer program. If your child is registered with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, there may also be a stipend available for summer programming. (Note: Not all children with special needs are eligible for DDD.) You can also see if any local agencies have funds for summer programming for special needs children. Some local agencies to check are: Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Pythias, Shriner’s. Agencies such as Catholic Charities and family help based organizations may also have funds available.

Question: How are the groups determined?

Answer: Groups are determined by the director after meeting and/or observing your child. Your child will be grouped with other children within a one to two year age span, and with similar issues. In most cases, groups are all boys or all girls, in keeping with the traditional summer program model.


	Mailing Address: 1155 West Chestnut Street, Suite G-1, Union, NJ 07083 Tel 908-964-5411; Fax 908-964-0511 (Year round numbers) Address during the Summer Season only: 1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 info@harborhaven.com


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