[August 28, 2007]

SUNY DOWNSTATE CELEBRATES YOUNGSTERS

Children with Special Needs Graduate from Infant and Child Learning Center

At the celebration for graduates of SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s Infant and Child Learning Center (ICLC), youngsters sang and danced on stage while their proud families looked on. No other ceremony reflects more clearly what SUNY Downstate wants for the community.

The ICLC provides early intervention services and preschool education for children born with neurological and physical impairments. Children receive special education, counseling, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and much more. A skilled team of psychologists, therapists, teachers, social workers, and nurses works with the children and their families.

Seventy-five children graduated this year—one of the largest graduations in the history of the program. “These children have touched our lives in ways that will stay with us forever,” said Jacqueline Simms, director of center-based programs.

Special guests included Una Clarke, director of the Empire State Development Corporation’s Brooklyn Community Network Office. “This program epitomizes what it means when we say it takes a village,” said Ms. Clark. “It maximizes the potential of each child and is an integral part of Downstate’s mission in the community.”

Also in attendance were Anna Forbes, representing Jean Leon, executive director of Kings County Hospital Center, and New York State Assembly Members Nick Perry and Karim Camara, who provided funds to equip classrooms in the ICLC’s new premises at 670 Parkside Avenue. The Center’s new building will welcome its first students this fall, notes Kathy McCormick, associate executive director of the ICLC.  

Assemblyman Nick Perry told the audience, “Growing up in Jamaica, I was often told, ‘You can learn the easy way or the hard way.’ I’m glad to see that these youngsters are learning the easy way.”