CHH School

Cardinal Hayes School for Special Children is a not-for-profit day school serving students who are multi-handicapped. Affiliated with Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, the school provides special education programs for many of the children who reside at the Home and also accepts special needs children residing in the community who are referred by their school districts. Committees on Special Education of area school districts are invited to consider Cardinal Hayes School as placement for students with severe intellectual disabilities.

CHS received its charter in 1984 and is certified by the New York State Education Department. Students attending the school must be classified as handicapped in accordance with the regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The tuition rate is established by the NYS Education Department, and the local school district is responsible for tuition payment as well as transportation.

Cardinal Hayes School has a capacity of sixty students. In order to meet the extensive needs of the students, the school operates a twelve-month program. Classes are staffed by certified teachers and aides with a ratio of 1 teacher: 4 aides: 12 pupils or 1 teacher: 3 aides: 6 pupils (some students require the additional assistance of a 1:1 aide). A full-time nurse monitors the medical needs of the students; part-time staff includes an adaptive physical education teacher, speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

An individual education plan is developed for each student with the cooperation of the local school district and staff of CHS. The extensive curriculum is designed to maximize the quality of life of the students, bringing them into as full participation as possible with the world around them. The focus for medically fragile students is on stimulation and frequent positioning of their frail bodies. As many students are non-verbal, other ways to communicate are used. Some learn to make choices through the use of sign language, communication boards and books with pictures. Less handicapped students are able to achieve a certain level of independence and can be trained in routine tasks. Each successful effort is rewarded with a smile and words of praise by the enthusiastic, caring staff.

Located on ten wooded acres at the eastern end of the Village of Millbrook, Cardinal Hayes School was designed to serve young people with extensive needs. The classrooms have large, open spaces to accommodate wheelchairs and special equipment such as standing boards and mats for physical therapy. The natural, unspoiled beauty of the site on which the school is located creates a pleasant, serene environment.

For further information regarding enrollment procedure or program content or to arrange an on-site visit, call 845/677-3251.

Notice of Non Discriminatory Policy as to Students

Cardinal Hayes School for Special Children, Millbrook, New York, a school for children with developmental disabilities, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and other school-administered programs.

Director of Education: Lucy Barbera
Executive Director: Fred Apers