LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Bornhava Preschool upon the occa-
sion of its designation for special recognition, and to pay just tribute
to its Director Barbara Jo Hard

WHEREAS, Organizations which seek to enhance the education of our young-
est students help to provide children a solid knowledge base upon which
to build their future studies; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those organizations and individuals of commitment and high
achievement whose purpose and endeavors have been dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of this noble Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Bornhava Preschool of Amherst, New York, upon the occasion of its
designation for special recognition, and to honor its Director, Barbara
Jo Hard; and
WHEREAS, Bornhava Preschool was founded by Barbara Jo Hard in 1983,
with the intent of offering a home-like atmosphere where high quality
therapeutic and educational interventions are provided for children with
special needs from birth to five years of age; and
WHEREAS, Since founding it almost 30 years ago, Founder Barbara Jo
Hard has remained the executive director of Bornhava Preschool; and
WHEREAS, At its inception, Bornhava Preschool served nine students;
today it serves approximately 198 children, with a commitment for
personalized attention to address each of their unique strengths and
needs; and
WHEREAS, Bornhava Preschool's focus is not only on the specific needs
of these children, but also on family involvement and interaction with
typical children; intervention plans are developed for children with
mental and physical challenges, sensory deficits, communication delays,
and various developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable school developed a Sensory, Motor, Interac-
tive, Learning, Environment (SMILE) philosophy in response to the docu-
mented need to serve the children whose sensory dysfunction,
social/emotional delays and communication disorders interfere with the
learning process; and
WHEREAS, Bornhava Preschool's SMILE philosophy utilizes an eclectic
approach representing a variety of documented educational methods such
as: "More Than Words", "DIR-Floortime", "Total Language", "PECS (Picture
Exchange Communication System)", and various sensory integration tech-
niques; and
WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Bornhava
Preschool has offered children the opportunity to enhance their quality
of life by providing them with a safe, supportive atmosphere while
participating in recreational and educational activities; and
WHEREAS, The children of today are the citizens and leaders of tomor-
row; their health, well-being and development are of paramount import to
the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its high-
est commendation to all of the individuals who have been involved with
the Bornhava Preschool, past and present, noting the importance of their
work and their enduring commitment to young children; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Bornhava Preschool upon the occasion of its designation for

special recognition, and to pay just tribute to its Director Barbara Jo
Hard; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barbara Jo Hard, Director, Bornhava Preschool.