Sunshine Alternative Education Center (SAEC)
Changing Lives Through Alternative Education & Prevention
Please Join Us For This Very Special Event!!
Graduation and Moving Forward Ceremony
Presentations by our staff, students and parents
– Completion and Graduation Ceremony for our Alternative Students
– Recognition of Sunshine Supporters
DATE AND TIME
Date: Friday June 13th 2025
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Sunshine Alternative Education & Prevention Center (outdoor gazebo)
468 Boyle Road Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Please RSVP Dr. Carter @ 631-476-3099 or email at [email protected]
This is a very inspirational and uplifting event and a perfect time to come and see more of the work that Sunshine is doing. Several of our students are expected to graduate and others will be moving up to the next grade. As part of our ceremony a few of the students and parents will be sharing the impact Sunshine has made in their lives this year.
We will also take this time to acknowledge our Sunshine Supporters who have made this year possible.
Together we CAN make a Difference!
Changing Lives Through Alternative Education and Prevention
Sunshine Alternative Education Center (SAEC) is committed to the academic achievement, social and life success of at-risk adolescents.
Utilizing our prevention-focused, social emotional learning centered approach, SAEC works together with school districts to support students who are facing various challenges that are affecting their productivity and success. Often these students have already disengaged from the educational process due to substance use/abuse, anxiety, mental health issues, behaviors, or other challenges.
Our alternative setting offers:
- Academic and Social Emotional Support
- A small, tailored learning environment
- The ability to address unique learning styles
- A mental health/prevention-focused component (small & large support groups)
- Parental support
How SAEC can make a difference:
- Reduce suspension rates
- Improve academic performance
- Increase graduation rates
- Build positive social skills/social emotional learning
SAEC Components:
- Academic Instruction:Â (small group instruction)
- P.E.A.C.E. Component: (Prevention Education And Cultural Enrichment)
- (P.E.A.C.E. is based on theories of Restorative Justice/Restorative Practices and utilizes various prevention strategies that are designed to build positive social/life skills (social emotional learning) while teaching alternatives to substance use/abuse and violence.
- Monthly Themes with a Social-Emotional/Life Skills Focus
- Focusing on adolescent issues including substance use/abuse, violence and other challenges facing youth. E.g. Building trust, healthy relationships, decision making, anger management, etc; National Awareness Topics are also included each month. E.g. Opioid Awareness, Suicide Awareness, Teen Dating Violence and more
- Guest Speakers/Workshops
- Reinforcing the topics/themes, offering various perspectives while providing positive role modeling and mentoring.
- Community Service Projects
- Providing the opportunity to utilize skills learned, give back, make restitution for their mistakes, take responsibility for their part and make a positive impact on the community. E.g. Food Pantries, Homeless Shelters, Clean-ups
- Field Trips
- Providing hands on experiences relating to the PEACE topics or Core Classes
- Parent Support/Family Events
- Providing support groups and skill building activities for parents/guardians
- Work Readiness Skills: Department of Labor Worksite
Referrals must come directly from school districts.
Sunshine Alternative Education Center BEDS Code: 580203996106
Click Here to see pictures from our Alternative Program on Facebook
Our student’s success demonstrates that SAEC excels in re-engaging students and helping them deal with and overcome the social, emotional, and academic challenges in their lives, resulting in improved life and educational outcomes.
STATS Overview 2007 – 2025 – Our Successes Are Your Success
- Number of Students Participating at Sunshine Altogether: 210
- Number of Students who have Successfully Completed a Year at Sunshine: 141
- Number of Students who have Graduated Sunshine Altogether: 35
- Number of Students who have been Dismissed/Withdrew Altogether: 45
School Districts we have worked with include:
Babylon, Longwood, Bayshore, Patchogue Medford, Central Islip, Middle Country, Bayshore, Rocky Point, Comsewogue, William Floyd, Eastport South Manor, Brentwood, Port Jefferson, Three Village, Connetquot, Westhampton Beach, Riverhead, Miller Place, Kings Park, Commack, Amityville. (District contacts are willing to speak with anyone who may have questions)
SAEC Testimonies
“It’s very difficult to put into words how I feel about Dr. Carter and the staff at the Sunshine Alternative. It is not an overstatement when I say the school literally changed the course of my child’s life. We had just moved to the Patchogue-Medford area at the beginning of the school year, and my child was suffering so terribly that she couldn’t get out the door to get to school. I felt so hopeless and alone, and I was frightened for her and what this would mean for her future. I literally had nowhere to turn, there was nothing on the school level that seemed to be a suitable alternative for my child’s circumstances. It was truly the luckiest I have felt perhaps in my entire life when we finally learned of Sunshine as a possibility, and from the first meeting with Dr. Carter, I was blown away that a program such as this even existed! Sunshine Alternative truly was a bright light at a dark and desperate time in our lives, and they continue to impact my child in a positive way each and every day. My child continues to thrive in this program, as I know so many have before him. There is no possible way I can adequately express my gratitude for Dr. Carter and her entire staff; we will be forever grateful for Sunshine Alternative.”
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“To whom it may concern,
I want to tell you what a wonderful school Sunshine Alternative Education Center is. I was extremely nervous sending my child. He suffers from anxiety and has not been in a school setting for a good couple years ( home schooled). The beginning of last year he wanted to attend school. You can imagine how I felt, scared, nervous, every emotion possible! We never had a good relationship with our school district and then we moved to Longwood in 2019 . Life changing!!! Mrs. Garrett was and has been amazing through this all. She set up for us to meet with Dr. Carter and the staff at Sunshine They all understood my concerns. Most importantly, they understood my child. This school is life changing!! The change in my child is unbelievable. The staff at Sunshine care and support each other. They want the best for every child that enters those doors. I promise you, you will not regret sending your child to this amazing school. Life will be amazing again for your child and you. Please if you want to speak to me, let Dr Carter know. Anything I can do to help.” – Parent of an 11th grader
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“Dear Dr. Carter, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for conducting this morning’s meeting which provided invaluable support to both the student and parent. Your dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive environment within your school community is truly commendable, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The meeting served as a testament to your commitment to ensuring that all students and their families feel heard, valued, and supported. Your willingness to listen attentively, offer guidance, and provide reassurance during challenging situations is greatly appreciated by all involved.
On behalf of the student and parent, as well as myself, I extend heartfelt thanks for your leadership, empathy, and professionalism throughout the meeting. Your guidance and support have undoubtedly made a significant difference and have helped to alleviate concerns while fostering a sense of trust and confidence in your school community.
Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication to the well-being and success of our students. Your efforts continue to inspire us all, and we are grateful for the positive impact you have on our school community.
With sincere appreciation”