Special education programs and services are provided at no cost to families living in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties. Support services for families, research and the training of early childhood personnel are other major components of the center's work.

In all of our child development special education services and developmental programs, parents and professionals are equal partners. Parents are welcome to observe their children in the classroom or therapy rooms using one-way viewing glass and intercoms. Appointments are not required.

With a staff of 420, including special education teachers; assistant teachers; physical, occupational and speech therapists; psychologists; social workers; a nurse; approximately 80 volunteers; graduate and undergraduate interns, VCLC provides thousands of children and families with special programs and services on and off-site. All of VCLC's services and programs are provided free of charge to families (except for a few after-school programs): Early Intervention for infants and toddlers, inclusionary programs in local nursery schools, childcare centers, and school districts, special education preschool and kindergarten classes; evaluations; special education teachers at nursery schools, childcare sites and at home; information and referral; Sunday respite care; social skills training groups; LIL EASY cultural arts performances; applied research and training for early childhood personnel.

VCLC's success with children with developmental disabilities is statistically proven. The NYS Education Department designated VCLC's Home School Collaborative Model a "Sharing Success Validated Program" showing that when children with developmental disabilities, including autism, enter VCLC at ages 2 or 3, they improve their rates of learning after only 15 months in the program (VCLC operates the only validated preschool special education program on Long Island).

VCLC is approved by the New York State Department of Health to perform evaluations, and provide special education and early intervention services for children birth to 3 years; chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York; and approved by the New York State Education Department as a special education facility and evaluation site for children 3 - 8 years. These special education services and programs are funded by federal, state and county governments; school districts; and fund-raising.

VCLC’s innovative programs were recognized when VCLC and its volunteers were named President Bush's 523rd "Daily Point of Light."

When children leave our center, they are better prepared for the mainstream, as mandated by federal and state laws. Families are strengthened and better able to cope, as a result of their experiences at VCLC.

VCLC provides professional development through on and off-site training seminars, workshops and consultation services for early childhood educators, professionals, and pediatric residents.

VCLC implements early child development research projects that lead to improved educational and social outcomes for young children.

For more information on VCLC’s special education services child development programs, research and training, please contact us.

• VCLC Mission   Investing in children and families since 1966
  
  "Our professional team promotes the development of children, especially those with developmental disabilities including autism through early identification, education and partnerships with families, hand-in-hand with research, training and collaboration with professionals" - Judith S. Bloch, Founder and CEO of VCLC
  
  Serving children and families, residing in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Queens.
• Meet the Staff   Our experienced staff delivers the highest quality programs and services.
• Board of Trustees  
• Open School Policy  
• What Parents and Professionals Say about us   "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you for having the courage to follow your education vision and dreams so our children can realize theirs!"
  - Elizabeth Benick
• What's New at VCLC   Upcoming Events, Seminars, Announcements, Press Releases, and More
• Calendar of Events   Upcoming School Activities, Workshops, Special Events, and More
• Press Releases   Jacqueline Duodu
  Marketing & Development Associate
  (516) 921-7171, Ext. 2259
• VCLC History   Investing in Children and Families Since 1966
• Contact VCLC   47 Humphrey Drive
  Syosset, NY 11791
  516-921-7171 or 800-933-8779
• Directions to VCLC   47 Humphrey Drive
  Syosset, NY 11791
  516-921-7171
• Employment Opportunities at VCLC   For more information contact Sue Ritz, Director of Human Resources, 516-921-7171 ext. 2132. Please submit resumes via fax: 516-921-8130 or email: sritz@vclc.org