Hollydell School

HollyDELL is a wonderful school where young people ages 3 through 21, who need a specialized learning environment due to their physical and cognitive challenges, receive educational and therapeutic programs tailored to meet each of their unique intellectual and physical needs. Shortly after she was born, our daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays; we were told she would probably never walk or learn to talk, and we were desperate to find a school where she would be able to achieve her greatest potential. After much research, my husband and I chose to send our daughter to the HollyDELL School, beginning at the age of three years old. At HollyDELL we experienced outstanding special education teachers, exceptional physical, occupational, and speech therapists, wonderful nursing staff, and a very caring administration. Every staff member at this school, from the Director to the Maintenance Worker, puts the needs of the students first. They truly love the children they work with and they are dedicated to helping them to achieve their fullest potential in a very positive and loving environment. HollyDELL also provided support to us as parents. They held parent group support meetings led by a Licensed Social Worker and the teachers and therapists were always available for advice and support too. The physical therapists even made home visits, after school hours, to help children and their families with adjustments or instruction on using new special adaptive equipment. The occupational and speech therapists worked with parents to help them learn to use new methods and or equipment for communication with their children, I am writing this review based not only on my experience as a parent but also on my years of professional experience in working with children and young adults with physical and cognitive challenges. I have not encountered a better school for children with special physical needs than HollyDELL anywhere in the region. If your child has special needs, even though your local school might appear to be able to meet these needs in the least restrictive environment, your child's future is at stake. You want to make sure to choose a program where your child will be able to reach their maximum potential. You also need to advocate for your child to be able to attend the program that you feel will be best able to meet their specific special needs. Check out the program offered by the HollyDELL School - you won`t regret it! Linda L Zaleski, PT, MPT