The Hawthorne Foundation

The Hawthorne Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that has for over 28 years provided an education to children who are challenged by serious disabilities. In 1981, the Margaret Chapman school (predecessor to Hawthorne Country Day School), became the first ABA (applied behavior analysis) based educational program to provide services to children who were diagnosed with severe developmental disabilities, autism, and other behavior disorders. HCDS is the longest running and most successful ABA program in New York State. Over subsequent years, we have expanded our programs to include a full continuum of care for children, birth to adulthood.

School Program

Early Intervention - Consistent with our behavioral philosophy, services including instruction and family training are offered to children from birth to three years of age and their families in the home. For more information, please click on “Overview” and go to the “Programs” link or contact Kelly Hobbins, Early Intervention Program Director, at 914-592-8526, ext.1004 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Preschool (3-5 years) - The HCDS preschool is a center-based program for children ages 3 to 5 years who are diagnosed with a disability. The program focuses on verbal behavior, play skills, social skills, and academic readiness through intensive 1:1 and small group instruction. For more information, please click on “Overview” and go to the “Programs” link or contact Kelly Hobbins, Director of the Early Childhood Program, at 914-592-8526, ext. 1004 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

School-age (5-21 years) - Our school-age program is the largest of our programs and serves children diagnosed with autism/PDD, mental retardation, speech and language impairments, multiple disabilities, and other special needs. The students are grouped in classes by age (within 36 months) and skill level to form the most conducive learning environment. For more information, please click on “Overview” and go to the “Programs” link or contact Daren Cerrone, School Age Program Coordinator, at 914-592-8526, ext. 2111 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Manhattan Annex - School Age (5-12 years) - The Annex serves children who are diagnosed with autism and the classes are grouped by age (within 36 months) and skill level to form the most conducive learning environment. Our class sizes include a ratio of six or eight children, one teacher, and two teaching assistants. Classes are conducted from 8:30 to 2:30 daily and Parent education, speech, OT, and PT are available, in addition to physical education. For more information, please call 212-281-6531 or e-mail Dr. Amoy Hugh-Pennie, Program Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For admissions questions, please contact Ann Marie Babcock, Director of Admissions, at 914-592-8526, ext. 3165 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adult Services

Group Homes - Hawthorne Foundation owns and operates three group homes for adults with disabilities. These homes are located on beautiful properties throughout Westchester County, and provide opportunities for adults to participate in their communities and maximize their self-determination skills. For more information, please click on “Overview” and go to the “Programs” link. You can also contact Anna Chopra, Community Program Supervisor, at 914-372-7173 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Day Habilitation - These program offers adult participants a structured environment in which they learn vocational skills and experience a range or community-based recreational activities. Hawthorne Foundation also provides Medicaid Service Coordination that assists adult participants and their families in coordinating all medical, educational, recreational, and vocational services. For more information, please click on “Overview” and go to the “Programs” link.  You can also contact Jill Burger, Day Hab Manager, at 914-372-7173 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .