From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

Year-round learning at Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) offers all the fun of summer along with students’ continued progress through the partnership of parents, educators, and support staff.   

In this edition, enjoy stories of learning and community connections across BCCS. Read about the colorful, volunteer-led tie-dye project at the Children’s Education Center, the Post Avenue Preschool Olympic games, children at the CRP experiencing the Setalcott Nation Corn Festival Powwow, and more! 

So much of what we do is made possible by your continued support and advocacy. Through August 12, I urge you to consider submitting comment to federal policymakers on the importance of direct support professionals being included in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) – so they know the impact and importance of this critical role. This July, we also continue to recognize Disability Pride Month by celebrating the achievements of our students and encouraging everyone to stay informed about Fragile X Awareness Month. 

Thank you for being a part of our community and advancing our mission of educating and supporting children of all abilities.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Volunteer-Led Tie-Dye Extravaganza at the
Children’s Education Center 

On July 11, students at the Children’s Education Center took to the outdoors for what would be a fun and colorful adventure: tie-dyeing their own t-shirts or sweatshirts with community volunteers.

A group of 10 employees from the Amwins Insurance Brokerage Jericho office was ready and waiting. They selected this hands-on activity for their annual day of service through the efforts of Amwins employee, Andrea Greer, whose son Harry attends the Children’s Education Center.

“Our company does summer service every year I thought this would be nice, being outside for the day,” said Andrea.

Classes rotated throughout the day, with each one having a picnic table tie-dye experience with the support and engagement of Amwins volunteers, teachers and teachers’ assistants. Amwins employees provided supplies and guidance on how to dye the shirts with the colors of the students’ choosing.

“Our students enjoy and benefit from hands-on activities especially when it’s a project that they can get creative, even a little messy, but where the end result is tangible,” said Children’s Education Center Director Denise Gaughan. “They can take home and wear their creations, remembering the day and enjoying the results of their hard work.”

Lido Beach Children Attend Setalcott Nation Corn Festival Powwow in Suffolk County 

On July 14, children and young adults from the Children’s Residential Program took a road trip out to East Setauket to witness the Setalcott Nation Corn Festival Powwow. The festival was a celebration of history, culture and the honoring of elders.

At the powwow, everyone found a space to sit under the shade of trees, listening to the drums by the dance arena in the distance. Some of the kids decided to explore, look at items sold by the vendors, including jewelry, backpacks, musical instruments, and dolls, and learn more about the experience.

Brandon Lyons, Children’s Residential Program Recreation Coordinator, organized the trip. He is passionate about creating a wide range of activities, including those with cultural and historical elements for the children to experience. Last month, the children took part in the Fourth Annual Elmont Juneteenth Celebration Festival on June 15.

“I just want them to be exposed to as much of the world as they can,” Brandon said, noting that the kids had fun at the event and how many questions they asked.

Marcus Avenue Parent Association Paint and Sip
Fundraiser a Success

This July 29 and 30, Marcus Avenue Preschoolers will enjoy a bubble show thanks to the fundraising efforts of the school’s Parent Association (PA). This event will be a first for the school and is highly anticipated by both students and staff. 

Bubble activities are a form of sensory play stimulating students’ visual sensory system as well as their vestibular system that deals with balance and coordination. All this takes place while students have fun chasing bubbles or making giant ones in whimsical shapes.

This spring, the Marcus Avenue Parent Association raised $5,500 to benefit the school’s students and staff. They did so during their second annual Paint and Sip fundraiser which welcomed 41 guests including parents, teachers, staff, and members of the local community. 

The event took place at Pinot’s Palette in East Meadow and presented a great opportunity for parents and school staff to mingle and get to know each other better while supporting the school in a meaningful way. 

Post Avenue Preschoolers Celebrate the Olympics

In recognition of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Post Avenue preschoolers spent the week of July 8th celebrating with their own games and activities.

Thoughtfully planned by teachers and school staff, the Post Avenue Olympic teaching unit started with an opening ceremony and parade across the courtyard.

Nearly three dozen students were all smiles walking one behind the other holding handcrafted paper torches. Torches were made with red, orange and yellow tissue paper attached to a paper towel tube wrapped in gold foil.

Although plenty of fun, crafts and projects were carefully tailored to skill building and developing students’ fine and gross motor skills. The Foxes, Bears and Owls classrooms also created their own set of decorations adorning their walls.

“We had lots of fun playing games and sports just like Olympians,” said Special Education Teacher Eileen Carter. “While doing all this, we continued to work on readiness and social skills in the classroom.” 

#DSPSpotlight

DSP Elsa Guerrier’s positivity and warmth recognized at Lido Beach House

Children who reside at the Children’s Residential Program in Lido Beach rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to be reliable, patient, encouraging, and kind.

DSPs not only provide around-the-clock care, they also inspire participation in the many activities scheduled throughout the week.

This month, we are highlighting a DSP whose positive and inclusive spirit helps to create memories for the children, their families, as well as fellow staff: Elsa Guerrier. 

Elsa, who works weekends, started as a DSP last year. As a psychology major at Molloy University, she was inspired to become a DSP to receive firsthand experience working with children with I/DD.

“I wanted to see what the world is like from the perspective of someone with an I/DD,” Elsa said. “As well as see what they do, and how their experience is with the community.”

House 26 Manager Prince Appiah said what stands out most about Elsa is her consistency, and the way that she cares so much for the children. Dedication is needed for the role, Elsa said, as DSPs provide accountability to ensure children can be as independent as possible.