What's New at VCLC

The Board of Trustees of Variety Child Learning Center has named the center-based school at Variety Child Learning Center, the Judith S. Bloch School, in her honor.

A pioneer in the field of education, Ms. Bloch founded VCLC (earlier known as Pre-Schooler’s Workshop and then Variety Pre-Schooler’s Workshop) in 1966, establishing the first therapeutic nursery school for young children with learning, language and behavior difficulties. Key components of Bloch's unique educational approach include: the Home/School Collaborative Model (HSCM), an educational model (designated by NYS as a validated success program) that outlines the collaboration between teachers, therapists, families, and school; The Five P's, an early childhood assessment instrument which measures a preschooler's development, based on observation by both the child's teacher and parents; and "The Open-School Policy," one which encourages parents, teachers and staff to share information and interventions - all partners in a child's education; recognizing the need for promoting early identification, special education and therapies, with as early a start as possible; inclusion; providing ongoing education and support to families; training for professionals; and promotion of public policies that support these goals. Judith Bloch promoted and helped initiate federal legislation now in place, that provides early educational entitlements, making it possible for children to receive a free preschool special education. She produced several award-winning teaching films during her career, one of which was presented at the White House Conference for children. The film demonstrating the value of early intervention and how an early start helps children make strides that may not be possible if education is delayed. Since 1966, Judith Bloch's ambition, hard work and dedication have touched the lives of thousands of children and families. The concepts and practices she and her professional team developed are presented in professional and mainstream publications, at educational centers and seminars, and on local and national television programs. Judith Simon Bloch retired as CEO of Syosset-based Variety Child Learning Center in December of 2008. She maintains her seat on VCLC's Board of Trustees.

Today, VCLC is a major center that provides special education, related services and training to thousands of children, families and professionals, 12 months a year. Special education programs are offered on- and off-site to children from birth to school-age. Evaluations for children with suspected delays, early intervention, and related services are provided in both English and Spanish. VCLC's Social Skills Training Program offers classes to children ages 4-16 years.

### VCLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit center whose mission is to support the education and inclusion of children with or at risk of developmental disabilities, including autism, as well as to assist families and train professionals who work with young children. For more information about VCLC programs and services, visit www.vclc.org