LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Alterna-
tives For Children

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of Alternatives For Children, to be cele-
brated on Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Port Jefferson, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1988, Alternatives For Children is a 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit organization that provides quality early intervention,
day care and therapeutic preschool programs for developmentally delayed
and typically developing children ages six weeks to five years across
Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Alternatives For Children's Early Intervention program was
established to meet the individual needs of infants and toddlers with
special needs from birth to age three as well as their families; its
trained, experienced professionals can assess a child's current func-
tioning levels and may recommend educational and/or therapeutic services
to stimulate growth and development; and
WHEREAS, Programs are family-centered and designed to help parents
understand and meet the needs of their child; services can be provided
in the natural environment of the home or any other environment appro-
priate to meet the family's needs; and
WHEREAS, The childcare center at Alternatives For Children offers
childcare as well as nursery programs to children ages six weeks to five
years; the highest standards for childcare are demonstrated by high
staff to child ratios and in stringent staff qualifications and atten-
tion to quality programming, all provided in a nurturing and safe envi-
ronment; and
WHEREAS, Taught by New York State certified special education teach-
ers, the school's therapeutic preschool programs include self-contained
classes for children with extensive developmental delays and those along
the autism spectrum, as well as integrated classes for typically devel-
oping children and those with special needs; therapeutic services
offered include speech/language communication, occupational and physical
therapy, vision services and orientation and mobility, computer enrich-
ment, assistive technology services, play therapy, social work services
and parent counseling, music therapy and dance and movement, and social-
ization groups; and
WHEREAS, With locations in East Setauket, Melville, Aquebogue and
Southampton, Alternatives For Children provides services to over 600
children every day; and
WHEREAS, Alternatives For Children's distinguished record merits the
recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Alternatives For Children; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alternatives For Children.