With the Department of Education set to roll out its Special Needs Reform this September, many families with kids in public school are wondering about its implications. While we won't know how it will impact schools until later this academic year, one thing that isn't supposed to change is the process for obtaining an Individualized Education Plan, better known as an IEP.

The IEP process can be daunting. From the moment parents are told their child may need special services to sitting at a table with a roomful of experts mapping out the individualized education plan, families may be dealing with a lot of emotions as well as questions about how best to navigate the system to make sure your child is getting the right help.

As the mother of a child with autism, I've been through this process firsthand and have shared experiences with many other parents who have requested IEPs for children with various needs. Below are some of my insights into how to navigate the system as well as what to expect and when to ask for help.

Camping is an inexpensive summertime adventure that all families should try at least once. Some of the most beautiful campsites in the country are located right here on Long Island in our state and county Parks. Pitch a tent and let waves lull you to sleep in a campground by the beach, or look up at the stars through the branches of the forest while crickets and owls serenade you. Don’t let worries about sleeping on the ground, dirt, or bugs stop you! Here are ten campgrounds just a short drive away. They all offer hiking trails, and many have playgrounds, fishing spots, boat rentals, playing fields, evening entertainment, and even golf courses.  

Although more than 2 million U.S. students are homeschooled, it's not always easy to spot them—especially here in New York City, where so much education talk focuses on admission interviews, Gifted and Talented tests and other traditional school concerns. If you decide to go the homeschool route or are just thinking about doing it and want to learn more, joining a parent group can connect you with like-minded families who give you much-needed support and advice.

When you join a homeschool group, other members can help you get through the Department of Education's paperwork, customize a teaching approach and form learning co-ops so you can meet up and use New York City as a classroom together. It's also a great way to help homeschool kids (and parents!) socialize and make new friends.

Where has the summer gone?  School starts next week, and the kids and I have only conquered about half our summer plans.  With just a few days of summer left, we will be taking an afternoon to enjoy the shore – from the water, this time!  Given I don’t know my port from my starboard, or my fore from my aft, I’m sure I’ll be a sight to behold on the high seas. 

Lots of Fairfield County establishments offer cruises, boat rentals, or sailing lessons:

The smell of freshly-sharpened pencils and the feel of crisp notebook paper – it’s time for school again! For kids starting school for the first time (or even a new grade) the excitement can also be peppered with some feelings of anxiety. Being separated from mom and dad can be stressful, but books can be a great way to communicate with your kids. From children starting preschool/daycare to kindergarten or first grade – here are some of our favorite books to ease the transition for your NJ kids.

The end of summer always makes me feel like we're racing against the clock. My daughter and I have been running all over town enjoying last-chance summer fun like hitting local beaches and pools, and checking out soon-to-close exhibits and public art displays, like the awesome interactive Pet Sounds in Madison Square Park. (That's my kid in the photo, caressing one of the installation's funky blobs to make it vibrate and "sing.")

Lots of families are heading out of town for these last few weeks of the season. Our Travel site has a roundup of Labor Day travel deals and a list of the best things to do in Richmond, Virginia. Of course you don't have to stray too far from NYC to leave the urban jungle behind: Our Long Island site has a post about all the family fun to be had in Riverhead and over in New Jersey we've got the scoop on things to do with kids in Jersey City. Plus we rounded up 11 pick-your-own apple farms near NYC, all about an hour or less away.

We continue to add to our Back-to-School Guide. New this week: Five creative school lunches and four expert tips to start off the school year successfully.

Here's what else we shared this week on our NYC site.

(Photo: Old Westbury Gardens)

Summer may be winding down in terms of the number of days left on the calendar, but it's still in full effect on Long Island this weekend. The Island is celebrating with Kidstock at North Hempstead Beach Park, a Beach Blast at Overlook Beach for Town of Babylon residents, a Scottish Festival at Old Westbury Gardens, an Italian Festival in New Hyde Park, I Love America Night at Riverhead Raceway, and Turtle Hatch Day at the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend, y'all; get out and enjoy it!