Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
For more information about our Early Childhood Services please contact:
Fran Porcaro
Director of Educational Services
phone
(914) 327-3227
ext. 106
fporcaro@
westchesterarc.org
The Children's School for Early Development
40 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org
24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200
Información
en Español
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Over the summer, the group met at the pool.
Pre-School Builds
Parent Network
“There’s a brief moment that occurs when you are told your child has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, a moment in which you feel like the only parent to ever go through this,” recalls mom Mary Costello Lazare. “But the most important thing to realize is that you are not alone.”
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| There were smiles galore. |
Westchester Arc echoes Mary’s sentiment. Over the last 17 years, The Children’s School for Early Development, in partnership with PACDS (Parent Assistance Committee on Down syndrome) has sponsored a support group bringing together new parents of children with Down syndrome.
“The group was my lifeline when my son was born,” says Anne Majsak, Westchester Arc president and longtime PACDS member. “It gave me a safe place to laugh and cry with other moms who understood exactly what I was feeling. And even today, when my son has grown into a teenager, those same moms are the ones I turn to for advice.”
Through monthly meetings, held at The Children’s School’s main site in Hawthorne, families have a chance to:
- Ask questions and share experiences
- Build friendships with fellow parents
- Discuss educational and social resources
- Learn how to effectively advocate on behalf of their children
“Our goal is to help parents understand their child’s true potential. The first step in doing so is establishing a network of support,” comments Kathy Higgins, educational advocate. “Meetings are informative, yet informal. Families are free to discuss whatever’s on their mind and that gives them a constant sense of reassurance.”
Families enjoyed quality time together.
“I would recommend this group to anyone,” adds Mary. “I got involved when my daughter Anna was just an infant. Kathy Higgins was always there to answer our questions and calm our concerns. She added many personal touches, yet remained the constant professional. Other parents were always happy to help in any way they could. I’ve made some great friends and was even able to set up playdates for Anna. Being around other children like herself helped Anna realize she wasn’t alone, either. Today, she is a well-rounded three-year-old who walks, talks, enjoys music, reading and chasing after the dog. The group has definitely played a key role in her progress.”
