From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends, 

With fall underway, it’s been a joy to see students return to school – full of energy, curiosity, and excitement for the year ahead. Our exceptional teachers and school staff are ready to welcome them and begin another wonderful year of learning in partnership with families. As students’ needs evolve, so must the environment that helps them succeed.

Our preschool at Post Ave. is adding a new classroom and sensory room, while our preschool at Marcus Ave. is preparing to move.

A highlight, this month, was celebrating Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week with staff at the Children’s Residential Program (CRP). The work they do supporting children to become more independent and engage with the community goes to the core of the mission. I invite you to read this year’s DSP Recognition book and join us in celebrating their incredible work.

Another way you can show your support for the BCCS team is by visiting our Advocacy Center and sharing with legislators why sustaining funding for services that support children with delays and developmental disabilities is so important.

Thank you for supporting our children as they continue to learn and grow.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Fall Session Starts for BCCS Students

September 3 marked the beginning of a new chapter in learning and friendship at the BCCS Children’s Education Center as well as the Barbara C. Wilson (BCW), Marcus Avenue, and Post Avenue Preschools.

At the Children’s Education Center, eager students arrived on campus by school bus, ready for their first day of the fall session.

In front of the school buildings, staff members waited outside, looking forward to welcoming students and walking them to their classrooms.

Students ran from the buses to greet their favorite staff members with hugs, high fives, and smiles before heading to their classrooms.

Over at the Barbara C. Wilson Preschool, new and returning students also became acquainted with their teachers, teacher assistants, classmates, and classrooms.

New Preschool on Round Hill Road

Next year, Marcus Avenue Preschool is moving to a new location in Roslyn, where it will provide students with increased opportunities to learn and play.

Construction is already underway at 440 Round Hill Rd. Formerly an elementary school, the property offers a robust foundation to support a learning center. The program has been actively searched for a space where the school could grow while still maintaining the same high standards of preschool education. 

“It’s beautiful,” shared Paula DeVita, Director. “It’s our own dedicated space and we’re looking forward to hosting petting zoos and ice cream truck visits for our students.” 

Post Avenue Preschool Embraces Growth and Change

For the fall season, Post Avenue Preschool welcomes new families, school staff, a brand-new classroom, and the construction of a sensory room. As one of Brookville Center for Children’s Services’ most intimate learning centers, Post Avenue is known and loved for its cozy atmosphere. These new additions will only add to its charm as new students join their Foxes, Eagles, and Bears class schoolmates in the new Chipmunks classroom.

The sounds of horns and sirens, along with the children’s voices on the police PA system filled the air of the Merrick Library parking lot on Sept 6, as the young men and women supported by the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) attended Long Island’s largest Touch-A-Truck event.

Throughout the afternoon, the children explored about 40 different kinds of vehicles, including police cars and construction vehicles, enjoying the chance to learn about local service providers alongside friends and neighbors.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) were highlighted for their incredible dedication to the young people they support in Wantagh and Lido Beach during DSP Recognition Week, Sept. 7–13.

The week started on Sunday, Sept. 7, with a delicious, catered breakfast to treat the DSPs onsite.

 “They help me, when I’m sad, they help me,” said Kyle Lenczewski, who resides at the CRP in Lido Beach. “Yes, [I enjoy living here.]”

 In the days that followed, staff enjoyed activities such as “Crazy Hat Day,” “Battle of the Brains” games, and even a talent show.

All week long, BCCS social channels shared inspiring stories of CRP DSPs, as well as empowering messages from families.

Check out our annual DSP Recognition Week book and join us in appreciating DSPs each and every day.

Wheatley Farms Catering

Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!

Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small!

At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence.

Advocate for Essential Services!

We need your voice and support! Federal cuts to disability services are on the table for next year’s federal budget. One way to “save money” will be consolidating Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding streams, making it more difficult for children and families to access timely services.

Any funding cuts to services that benefit children with delays and disabilities is completely unacceptable.

Grab a Gift!

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Hours

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts will be open 4 days per week to meet all of your plant needs!  Stop on down to the greenhouse and see what Mel and Sarah have available for sale.

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 2pm
Or by appointment - call (516) 423-5329

Coming Up

Reach for the Stars

For over 25 years, Reach for the Stars has helped make amazing things possible for Children's Education Center students. This beloved annual celebration brings together parents, community supporters, and alumni to raise critical funds to support the children we serve.

Thursday, October 9 | AHRC Mansion / Brookville Center Campus, Brookville, NY

Learn More

AHRC Foundation Walk

Join us and an entire community of people committed to increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Long Island.

Sunday, November 2 | Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY

Learn More