Press Releases (2010)

July 2010 VCLC is Host Agency for Long Island ECDC

VCLC is pleased to announce that it will be the host agency for the Long Island Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) beginning July 1, 2010. VCLC was awarded a grant to combine the previous Nassau and Suffolk Early Childhood Direction Centers into one cohesive center for the region. VCLC has previously been the host agency for the Nassau ECDC since its inception in 1979. The new Long Island ECDC will be directed by Carolyn Gammerman, who holds an M.S. in special education and is dually certified in special education and general education. Ms. Gammerman has been employed by VCLC since 1996 as a classroom teacher, SEIT teacher and SEIT supervisor, and has worked with families, early education providers and CPSE chairs throughout her career.

The Long Island ECDC provides information and referrals to families and professionals in Nassau and Suffolk Counties who are concerned about a child up to five years old, who is either diagnosed or suspected of having special needs. Family support continues until the child enters kindergarten. Services are confidential and free of charge. The Long Island ECDC will be housed at 47 Humphrey Drive in Syosset and can be reached via telephone at 516.364.8580; fax at 516.921.2354; or via e-mail at liecdc@vclc.org.

Call the ECDC for information regarding:
Evaluations & Assessments
Dept. of Health Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers
Preschool Special Education: Center-based, inclusionary programs, SEIT, and Related Therapies
Health/Nursing/Social Services
Advocacy/Mediation/Due Process
Child Care Council
Parent Education and Support Groups
Respite/Recreation
Legal, Financial, Medical Entitlements
Professional Development
Regional training and technical assistance for the preschool indicators on State Performance Plan

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January 2010

Variety Child Learning Center Receives WE CARE Grant from the Nassau County Bar Association

Variety Child Learning Center recently received a donation of $1,000 from the Nassau County Bar Association’s WE CARE Fund. The grant will be used to renovate and refurnish the parent lounge located at the Judith S. Bloch School, at Variety Child Learning Center. The grant will benefit the Stefanie Rose Rieger Memorial Fund at VCLC.

Marilyn Genoa of the Nassau County Bar Association visited the center to present a check to VCLC’s CEO, Janice Friedman, and CFO, Andrea Rieger.

The parent lounge is a place for parents to go while their child is in class, receiving related therapies or having an evaluation. The newly renovated space will house the parent library with resources including books, videos and magazines on disabilities, parenting, and family issues. It will also serve as a meeting place for the family organization and parent education groups.

“Variety Child Learning Center is grateful for the WE CARE Funds contribution toward providing a comfortable place where parents can access important information, share with one another, or simply relax. We would like to thank the Bar Association for being a committed community partner”, said Ms. Friedman and Ms. Rieger in a joint statement.


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For more information, contact Jacqueline Duodu
(516) 921-7171, Ext. 2259