Although the former Variety Pre-Schooler's Workshop, which is located in Syosset, has changed its name, it still operates with the same mission and goals. The school, which is now known as Variety Child Learning Center (VCLC), started the new year with a new name as it also renovates and expands its facility.

The changes are geared to achieve the center's 21st century vision to continually improve its direct services to the children and families served throughout Long Island and metro-New York and to reach more children and families through training, research and collaboration. The agency began using its name beginning with a New Name Day celebration involving teachers, staff and students back in January.

In the decades since its founding in 1966, the center has carved a place as a Long Island leader in direct services to very young children, especially those with learning, language and behavior disabilities, and their families. Initially, its program focused on preschoolers - one of the first programs in the Northeast.

Today, VCLC serves children from birth to 12. The center was built on its work with young children with disabilities to develop programs and techniques to help typically developing children as well. The agency has also earned national and international acclaim for training and research. By continually expanding its programs to provide better services and help meet new needs, the agency outgrew its "preschool" and "workshop" identity.

The new name, Variety Child Learning Center, more accurately communicates its essence: Children - and learning for children and for all of those involved in a child's life such as parents, families and professionals.

VCLC is now mid-way in its comprehensive $3 million renovation and construction project. The agency is building a Training and Research Center to train school personnel and families from throughout the nation and abroad in its approaches and techniques. To improve service to the children and families now served, they are renovating the kindergarten/first grade classroom, evaluation center, children's library, several task rooms for one-on-one work with children with autism, parent library and lounge.

"This is a tremendously exciting and challenging time for us," said Judith S. Bloch, MSW, founder and CEO of VCLC. "Thirty-five years ago we began with six children and their parents in a church basement. We had very limited resources, but abundant hope and commitment. We fervently believed that there was a better way to help young children with disabilities. Today, our center has a staff of more than 260 plus 75 volunteers. We serve about a thousand families annually through direct services. Research shows that our methods are highly effective and we're reaching out to bring those methods to more people and schools."

"The programs and people of Variety Child Learning Center are incredible," said Ralph Palleschi, president and CEO of First Long Island Investors, LLC in Jericho and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of VCLC. "I initially got involved with the center because I was thankful for having three healthy children and I wanted to help others. I've gotten increasingly involved with VCLC because I am deeply grateful for what they do. I've learned a great deal that has helped my family thrive. This year, VCLC will take great strides on their mission to help children everywhere become the best they can be."

VCLC, a United Way agency, provides year-round special education and support services for children from birth to 12 and their families. The center operates the only preschool special education program on Long Island designated as a "Sharing Success Validated Program" by the New York State Education Department. VCLC was named the 523rd Daily Point of Light by President George Bush. For more information on VCLC please contact Barbara Travis at 921-7171 ext. 2125.