CLASP Children's Center has provided Great Neck's working parents and parents in training with quality childcare, for children ages 18 months to 11 years for the past 25 years. Since its founding by working parents, the center's mission has always been to become part of each child's extended family. It supports all aspects of children's growth and development in a safe nurturing environment for all social, ethnic and economic groups. The center actively involves senior citizens, foster grandparents and high school volunteers. They help support the concept of an extended family where children can relate to many generations and experience a unique continuity of care. In recognition of this occasion, CLASP will host an evening honoring long time advocate and friend NYS Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli on Friday, June 8, at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Pint.

CLASP provides children of working parents with age appropriate activities, education and care. Children are given the opportunity to make individual choices, develop their ideas and creativity and receive individualized attention and understanding from educated, trained nurturing staff and other caring, concerned adults. Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale and scholarship opportunities are available.

CLASP has gone from serving 25 children in 1975 to serving over 175 children presently, which reflects the increased need for child-care throughout the community. Year-round care is provided to children (grades K-5) before school, after school and during the summer months, as well as, to toddlers and preschoolers. The CLASP program is available to all children and accommodates those with special needs that require additional services on-site at the center. Funding sources for CLASP come from parents' tuition, reimbursement from the Department of Social Services (DSS), The National Council for Jewish Women, Hispanic Community of Great Neck, state grants, the Great Neck United Community Fund, fund raising by the CLASP Board of Directors and much needed private donations.

Over the years, CLASP has been identified as a model childcare program by the New York State Council for Children and Families and is featured in their film Between School-Time and Home-Time. In 1987, CLASP received a Certificate of Merit in the Eleanor Roosevelt Community Services Awards. In September of 1992, CLASP was cited in Working Mother magazine as one of ten top "Inspirational After School Programs." In 1997, CLASP won an award for the Community Beautification Project.

The NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the NYS Department of Social Services license CLASP Children's Center. In addition the center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and is a member agency of the United Community Fund of Great Neck and North New Hyde Park.

Support for this organization is critical in these tough budgetary times in Nassau County. CLASP Children's Center will continue its advocacy campaign on behalf of the staff, children and families to help educate the public in giving children the respect it warrants. The center looks forward to sharing this event with the entire community. For further information call 482-8090.