New center opens for special needs kids

It’s a beautiful day because we know we are contributing to the future success of our children.”

Dr. Espa Zigouris, Birch Family Services senior vice president of education

It was a cold and cloudy Friday, but inside the Riverdale Early Childhood Center, it was  “a beautiful day” for the grand opening of the new educational facility.

“It’s a beautiful day because we know we are contributing to the future success of our children,” Dr. Espa Zigouris said, senior vice president of education at Birch Family Services. “It’s just amomentous day.”

Parents and teachers gathered in the gymnasium of St. Gabriel’s School at 590 W. 235thSt. for the grand opening celebration of the Riverdale Early Childhood Center’s (RECC) new location last week. The center officially opened on Oct. 10 but the grand opening was scheduled for January to allow staff, student, and families time to settle into their new school environment and focus on the holidays, according to Birch Family Services.

The new space consists of four classrooms offering a variety of special preschool education services, including comprehensive programs that integrate each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) while incorporating special education, physical therapy, counseling and play therapy. 

RECC fosters each child’s learning abilities, styles and preferences in a supportive, therapeutic, technology-rich and literacy-focused environment for children ages three to five and currently has 38 students enrolled.

“I hope today bears new fruit for the future.”Angela Torres said, Birch Family Services assistant vice president of education and one of the speakers at the event.

The program aims to expand to seven classrooms and eventually add another seven to accommodate future enrollment. Classrooms range from eight to 12 children, depending on their physical and developmental needs, including motor skills and cognitive growth. Each classroom has one teacher and two teacher assistants.

Children ages three to five receiving special education services are classified as “preschool students with disabilities” on their IEPs. RECC students experience overall developmental delays in language and cognition, as well as adaptive, social and physical development.

“Hopefully, we can make an impact for the next 40 years and beyond,” Torres added

Elliot Sarlo, an RECC alum who graduated from the program in 1988 at age five, has stayed in touch with the school eversince. Sarlo maintained contact with the principal and his teacher over the years, all on his own, according to Birch Family Services. He also mentioned having lunch with his former Birch teacher the weekend before the RECC grand opening.

“I remember learning a lot, especially when I was in occupational therapy and also through film,” Sarlo said.

Now in his 40s, Sarlo credits the Riverdale Early Childhood Center for having helped him immensely. He makes it a point to visit annually to sing, play the guitar or read to RECC students.

“We want to thank the Department of Education (DOE) and especially the Archdiocese formaking this possible,” Josh Scher said, Birch Family Services' COO and CFO.

“For me, this is extra special,” said Councilman Eric Dinowitz. He recalled walking by the school on his way home from P.S. 141 as a child. “I know all about the hard work that goes on here.”

Dinowitz noted that while some schools and programs treat children as mere data points, RECC prioritizes identifying and addressing children's developmental challenges to ensure their long-term success.“

If our kids get the support they need, they will learn, which will eventually lead to success inhigh school and college,” Dinowitz added. “Birch Family Services helps our children grow andgives them the ability to communicate. As a parent, I know how important it is to place my child’s life in safe hands.”

Demah Zayed, a parent, shared her recent experiences with RECC.

“Every child is different, and they each learn in different ways,” Zayed said. She added that the program has given her and other parents a sense of hope. “Birch Family Services is a second family in the community.They’ve made children in the community feel comfortable and safe.”

Following the event, Zigouris, Torres and Scher led tours, allowing attendees to see the classrooms first-hand and observe the interaction between teachers, teacher assistants and children.

“This center represents a significant step forward in expanding access to essential preschoolservices for children with special needs,” said Matt Sturiale, president and CEO of Birch Family Services. He added that the program’s individualized support helps children reach their fullest potential while strengthening partnerships with families to foster lifelong learning. Previously, RECC was located at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale at 475 W. 250th St., where it operated since 1985 until the start of the current academic year.

Birch Family Services' early childhood and school-age programs provide similar services to children and young adults ages three to 21 and operates at more than 30 locations citywide. They celebrate thier 50th anniversary this year and continue to empower individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

For more information on enrolling your child in a Birch Family Services program,visitwww.birchfamilyservices.org.