The well-loved Manhattan Sensory Gym, which provides free after-school therapy for preschoolers with special needs, has unexpectedly shut its doors, leaving many families devastated.
Established in Midtown back in 2009, the Smile Center closed last week following the passing of its long-time director, Hackhoe, who died of a heart attack at 56 earlier this month.
“With our supervisor gone, we have to close for now until we sort out future plans,” explained Christina Terpo, the office coordinator.
This private center is reportedly one of just two facilities in the borough that have accepted city education vouchers for complimentary therapy services.
Terpo mentioned that many families dependent on these vouchers through the DOE Preschool Board now face even fewer affordable options.
“I only know of one place that takes vouchers, and that’s Milestones… but they unfortunately lack the capacity to accommodate all of Smile’s families,” Terpo said.
According to officials at Milestones on the Upper West Side, they are currently the only private center left in Manhattan that accepts such vouchers. They noted that they’re overwhelmed with demands already.
“We’re compiling a list… Most kids are smiling here,” an administrator commented. They mentioned that the waiting list is quite extensive.
Some therapists from the Smile Center may offer support to help alleviate the demand at Milestones, as per officials’ remarks.
“We hope to understand the situation better by next week,” they added.
Other private therapy sessions can set parents back hundreds of dollars for just one meeting, as noted by a parent from the Upper East Side.
“For a child to get the services they’re entitled to here is really tough. Smile was one of the few places where the DOE essentially covered the costs,” said Mary, who began attending the center a few months ago. “It’s surprising that this is happening when there’s such a high demand.”
Parents from the Smile Center took to social media to express their sorrow over the closure. One parent, whose child had attended for eight years, remarked on the director’s profound impact on many lives.
Another individual shared that the director knew every child by name, showing great affection and understanding towards them.
A resident from Midtown mentioned that her family chose to live nearby so that their child could attend the Smile Center, which was merely a five-minute walk away.
A representative from the DOE stated that they will “collaborate with families to simplify access to necessary community services.”
They mentioned there are similar non-cost services available at five different locations, encompassing over 80 other resources focusing on exploration and education.
When asked how these sites differ from private facilities like the Smile Center, the representative labeled the private centers as “more one-stop shops,” featuring amenities such as a sensory gym.
Some parents, including Mary, noted they weren’t aware of this program that began in 2022, which has since engaged over 9,000 students, with more than 4,000 from earlier grades.
According to the DOE’s website, the seed program limits participants to 12 sessions per year, with caregivers required to stay during each session.
Not all seed sites are able to offer flexible timing or weekend availability like private centers such as Smile provided.
As of now, it remains uncertain if the Smile Center will reopen under new management, according to staff who expressed that “this was a special place.”
