Senate Resolution No. 1990

BY: Senator RHOADS

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of Variety
Child Learning Center and recognizing its
exceptional service to children and their families

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
milestones of enduring significance, which reflect the strength,
compassion, and character of the communities they serve, so fittingly
cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Variety Child Learning Center and
recognize its exceptional service, marking six decades of pioneering
education, early intervention, and family-centered support for children
with autism, developmental delays, and a wide range of learning
differences; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable milestone represents far more than the
passage of time and stands as a profound testament to six decades of
unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative impact
on the lives of children and families; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1966, at a time when autism and
developmental challenges were not widely understood and were often
misdiagnosed or surrounded by harmful misconceptions, Variety Child
Learning Center has served as a beacon of hope, advancing early
intervention, education, and family-centered care for children of all
abilities; the Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters
the development, education, and inclusion of children who require
specialized services; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings as a single classroom in Garden
City, the organization has grown into a vital regional resource, now
operating multiple campuses across Long Island and ensuring that
essential services are accessible to families throughout Nassau and
Suffolk Counties; and

WHEREAS, Today, headquartered in Syosset in a former school building
purchased in the 1980s, Variety Child Learning Center operates four
campuses, including two in Levittown and a recently opened location in
East Northport which began serving children in September 2025; and

WHEREAS, Throughout six decades, Variety Child Learning Center has
touched the lives of more than 15,000 children and families, fostering
growth, independence, and confidence through individualized educational
and therapeutic programs tailored to each child's unique needs; all
aspects of a child's development, from six weeks through eight years of
age, are addressed; and

WHEREAS, The enduring legacy of founder Judith S. Bloch, pioneer,
advocate, and visionary, continues to shape the organization's mission
which is rooted in the belief that early intervention, family
partnership, individualized support, and compassionate care can unlock

the full potential of every child; her vision remains a guiding force,
rooted in innovation; and

WHEREAS, Judith Bloch dedicated nearly five decades of her life to
advancing opportunities for children and families, serving as the
organization's CEO from its founding in 1966 until her retirement in
2012; her enduring legacy lives on not only in the thousands of lives
touched by her work but also in the continued growth and mission of the
organization she built; and

WHEREAS, The success and longevity of Variety Child Learning Center
are a direct reflection of the dedication and expertise of its
compassionate educators, social workers, psychologists, therapists,
experienced administrative and executive leadership team, Board of
Trustees, and staff whose collective efforts have created a nurturing
environment where children are empowered to thrive; and

WHEREAS, As this organization marks its 60th Anniversary, it stands
not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as an
enduring symbol of innovation, inclusion, and the boundless
possibilities that arise when a community comes together in service of
its most vulnerable members; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Variety Child Learning Center and
recognize its exceptional service to children and their families; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Variety Child Learning Center.