Feb 7, 2025, Bronx, NY, Riverdale Press: New center opens for special needs kids
. . .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. . . .
“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. . . .
“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 their 50th anniversary this year and continue to empower individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
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