| Dear Families and Friends,
As we prepare to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month, let’s come together to celebrate the individuality, strengths, and achievements of children on the autism spectrum. With the right support—through specialized curriculums, targeted therapies, and inclusive services, these young people are reaching milestones, building confidence, and shaping futures full of possibility. Acceptance isn’t passive—it’s action, advocacy, and belief in the value of every child.
Every day, BCCS professionals’ partner with families to set students up for success—from leading creative art classes at Marcus Avenue Preschool to guiding young people supported by the Children’s Residential Program through a positive daily routine.
Many of these specialized services are made possible by Medicaid, a lifeline funding essential supports such as assistive technology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. With potential cuts to Medicaid being considered by federal lawmakers, now is the time to advocate. To learn how you can make a difference, visit our Advocacy Center.
Advocating together, we can continue to advance BCCS’ vision: for every child, a lifetime of achievement.
Sincerely, |
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| | | Preschools Celebrate Read Across America Week |
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| | Read Across America is a time to celebrate the magic of reading. BCCS marked the occasion with spirit weeks, story times, and sharing their favorite books. |
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- Post Avenue Preschool featured themed days including Music Day, Character Day, and Cat in the Hat Day to make reading fun and engaging. Teachers also led interactive activities and encouraged students to participate in read-aloud sessions and rhyming exercises. Read more
- Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool brought stories to life with themed days like Silly Hat Day and Pajama Day, along with special activities such as mystery readers, where parents surprised students by reading aloud. Read more
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| | Starting the Day Off Right at the
Children’s Residential Program
The Positive Morning Routine of the Young Men
Supported in Lido Beach |
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| Before the school day begins, the young men at the Children’s Residential Program in Lido Beach enjoy a calm, structured morning together.
Rojeh Samouhi likes planning his weekend schedule. |
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| Communicating on his iPad, Rojeh shared he was especially looking forward to visiting Dunkin’ Donuts. Over in the living room, the television was on as three housemates watched a program together on the couch.
When there’s time, a few of the young men enjoy starting their day with morning exercise – whether it’s a walk, bike ride, or time on the tire swing in the backyard.
Manager Marquisha Dawson explained that everyone wakes up between 6:45 and 7 a.m. while staff prepares a nutritious breakfast. Fruit, eggs, French toast, juice, and water are favorites. |
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| | | Teacher Assistant Valentina Yanchak Unleashes Students’ Creativity with Life-Size Art |
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| In the Art Corner of her classroom, Teacher Assistant Valentina Yanchak helps students turn tiny hands into big, joyful creations. |
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| | Every day, a dozen Marcus Avenue students look forward to spending time in the dedicated space – where they work on creative projects – both big and small – with Valentina’s help. |
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| Valentina has been crafting memories with Marcus Avenue students for 20 years, leaving them, and their families, with lasting treasures. |
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| | | Andrea Rettig Helps Build Skills Through
Occupational, Physical Therapy |
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| For 22 years, Andrea Rettig MS, OTR/L has provided essential therapeutic support to students attending the BCCS Children’s Education Center, first as an Occupational Therapist and now as Clinical Coordinator for the Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments. |
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| Over the years, Andrea has remained deeply committed to helping students build practical skills that support their independence – whether its writing with a pencil, opening a juice box, or mastering other everyday skills that shape their growth and development. |
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| | | BLANCHE FIERSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP |
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| | The Blanche Fierstein Memorial Scholarship seeks to award an exceptional candidate pursuing an advanced degree in the field of special education.
Applications for this $5,000 grant are due by April 1, 2025.
Learn More |
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| | Continuing Education Webinar:
“Empowering Communication through Echolalia: An Introduction to Gestalt Language Processing”
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | via Zoom
Saver Rate: (By April 4, 2025): $60
Standard Rate: (After April 4, 2025) $70
Registration Deadline: May 9, 2025
Adrienne Koenig, M.S. CCC-SLP, will offer a robust introduction to gestalt language processing. An overview of history and research is followed by a comparison of gestalt and analytic processing and identification practice. The course outlines the 4 main stages of gestalt language development, explores implications for therapy and interdisciplinary collaboration, and concludes with resources for continued learning.
Target Audience: Introductory Level
This workshop is intended for speech-language pathologists, special educators, caretakers, or other related service providers who support neurodiverse children and gestalt language processors.
Learn more and register today. |
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