To whom it may concern:

Steven Hunt (Stevie), arrived to Educational Alternatives school thanks to UM summer camp forum held over two years ago. Back then, I was impressed by Mr. Steven Bail’s presentation on how in “Educational Alternatives” they were willing to work with each of our special kids on individual goals and how confident he was to present the best possible environment in his summer program and school year as well.

First summer, Stevie joined E. A. for couple of weeks and his excitement was very encouraging to me. Every morning Stevie started getting ready on his own, and saying “summer camp”! I could tell it was great fun for him and without him even knowing it Stevie was increasing expression skills and verbalizing his preferences more …. Second summer, Stevie was thrilled to be back and he attended summer sessions with greater results noted in his social skills and expressing his needs, and wishes.

Then last year, Stevie got the Mackay scholarship enabling him to attend Educational Alternatives for this school year.

Just like any other parent, I was looking for the most drastic improvement possible in my child with each new experience…and in this case, for this six grade year. Few months went by into fall session and Stevie kept the same enthusiasm for school daily. He will even sing in the car and dress promptly for his “school time at E.A.”. Kisses and hugs would welcome him every morning as he would place his back pack on the high stand outside and lunch bag in the kitchen area.

Then second semester started…all noted above continued, and I was glad Stevie kept this sparkle up. We continued reviewing and further discussing expectations and how my son was improving academically. Socially, and emotionally there was simply no doubt in my mind that he was doing just great. School Director (Mr. Bail) and teacher (Ms. Ana) kept me abreast of Stevie’s day and activities and told me what he was working on. Focusing on what was being accomplished (how his attention span is significantly increasing) and to my great delight…Stevie is finally learning to read!

There is a lot of work ahead. The amount of effort involved needed for Stevie to keep advancing is truly only possible from the consistent dedication, well disposition, and talent that his teachers, and some personal time at home to support school goals. Academically, these 40 hours or so a week in school will impact Stevie forever therefore in this quest of excelling his skills I am trusting Educational Alternatives for another round of Summer fun and learning and a next school year.

For any questions or comments, I am available at my cell phone at (305) 776-8811.

Maria Teresa Rodriguez
 

My son Austin entered Educational Alternatives when he was 10 years old. After falling prey to the many high priced, quick fix, can’t miss therapies, we were beginning to think that no one cared about our son’s future. Mr. Bail did not preach to my family his method of teaching or his 10 step program of reaching our goals. He told us that time and patience will always prevail and given that, our son will reach and surpass his goals. A piece of coal can be transformed into a diamond with time and patients.

Mr. Bail kept the promise he made to my family and now my son is a shining example of his philosophy. When you take the time to get to know a child, and how his or her brain works you get results.

Austin is now turning 14 years old. He is a thriving, smart, and very social young man. He has reached and surpassed many of the goals we set for him. Stephen, I want to thank you for teaching, caring, and thinking of our son not only in the present but also for the years to come.

If you have a child with a disability and are looking for an alternative, look no further. My name is Carlos if you would like to meet or speak with me regarding joining our family, Mr. Bail will give you my information.

P.S. Unlike the other schools Austin attended, the tuition at Educational Alternatives is low and the results are high.

Sincerely,

Carlos A George

Ref: Rios-Cristancho

Dear Educational Alternatives faculty and staff,

At this time, we would like to express our sincere and immense thanks and appreciation for the wonderful and outstanding job that you do with all your students and specially for our son, Marc. Since learning that Marc had autism, every decision that we have made concerning his education and care has been marked by second guesses and sometimes regret for wrong choices. We are thrilled to admit that this year in which Marc has been enrolled at Educational Alternatives has been the first year of complete peace of mind on both my husband and my part. It is with complete confidence and satisfaction that we leave him at your doorstep every school day morning.

Your open door policy, in which you welcome parents at any time on any day truly shows your level of competence (something which is not found in any other place we visited). Having taken advantage of this policy and visiting Marc at the school, we were further reassured that we had made the right decision placing him in your care. We were impressed by the fact that Marc was able to seat at his own desk and perform in a classroom setting with no behavior problems. The teachers were caring and able to keep him on task. He was doing what was demanded of him!

We were also incredibly impressed with the therapies especially the occupational therapy which in most schools is truly lacking in effectiveness. Your therapists are first rate and their work is truly exceptional.

Overall, we couldn’t ask for a more complete program. Marc has progressed so much this year especially his behavior. This fact is also reflected at home. Family members and friends constantly notice his improvement. Your inclusion of sign language in the repertoire of speech strategies is starting to make a difference and Marc is starting to communicate more effectively. Furthermore, your full day summer program really rounds up the program so that Marc has a full year of consistency in his education.

Once again, thank you so much for the fantastic work you do with our children!!!

Sincerely,

Wilson and Liiliana Cristancho