June 2021 The PCCD Impact

THE PCCD IMPACT June 2021 PCCD BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS BRIAN LATINA CHAIR

I'm excited to share The Professional Center for Child Development’s updated and inclusive mission statement, nurturing the growth and potential of EVERY child. After several months of work and many collaborative discussions we find this mission statement captures the focus of PCCD’s work. While simplistic in nature, it answers two important and complex questions: Who we serve and what we do? Although all PCCD programs offer different services and supports to children and families, the common thread is our commitment to nurturing a child’s growth and development. Below you’ll find our mission in action, as reported by three wonderful families.

Chris Hunt, Executive Director

MARK PASCARELLA VICE CHAIR JOHN DECOURCY TREASURER JULIE PALMACCIO CLERK DIRECTORS MARK J. ALAIMO NEAL BESWICK SEAN CHENG JOSÉ CRUZ LYNETTE ELAM TRICIA SABULIS

The Professional Center for Child Development

Along with Lila and new baby, Aiden, this family knows that when The Professional Center for Child Development (PCCD) says, nurturing the growth and potential of EVERY Child… Lila is included!

“PCCD was instrumental in providing support to us as parents navigating this newfound world. Lila was diagnosed with a rare, neurogenetic condition called Rett syndrome just after she turned two. We got connected with PCCD and were able to do an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) evaluation, which was pivotal” shared Lila’s parents Aditya Shah and Kristina Lugo of Waltham.

During the AAC assessment, The Regional Consultation Program (RCP) at PCCD along with the family reconfirmed that Lila had great potential and she was able to get her wants and needs across with the aid of a communication device.

Through the RCP equipment lending program, Lila’s mother, Kristina said, “She trialed switches, an eye gaze board, adaptive seating/standing, toys and more!”

The proud parents went on to say, “Lila is now in Pre-K and using an eye gaze device (for speech).

She built the foundations of communicating with the recommendations from her AAC assessment at PCCD. She’s now combining 2-4 words, like “granola snack want yummy”.

PCCD PROGRAMS APPROVED PRIVATE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL Developmental Day School

Dennis and Ashley McCauley of Billerica say…

“We truly love the way that PCCD advocates for ALL children as well as their families.”

Ashley went on to say, “When I heard that the Woodbridge School at PCCD was opening an Infant/Toddler room, it made this first-time mom take a deep breath (especially during the pandemic), because I knew that our daughter would be able to receive the best care.”

CONSULTATION SERVICES Northeast Regional Consultation Program Public School & Preschool Consultation

The Woodbridge School Early Childhood program provides exceptional childcare and preschool experiences. According to her mom, “Ella has grown so much during the past eight months, reaching many milestones (crawling, walking, talking), learning sign language, and developing friendships with so many peers. She absolutely loves going to “school” and adores her teachers. The Woodbridge Early Childhood Program has provided our daughter with the safest and most nurturing environment.”

EARLY INTERVENTION Home Visiting Toddler Groups Evaluations & Assessments

Maxxx and his mother Mariannie Medina were learning and playing together during an Early Intervention (EI) center-based visit. Mariannie said, “PCCD’s new mission rings true in my experience. I have seen Maxxx evolve with their support. He went from facing significant limitations to finally walking, communicating more effectively, and now starting to share toys.”

WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL Infant, Toddler & Preschool Child Care

32 Osgood Street Andover MA 01810 978.475.3806 439 S. Union Street, Suite 110 Lawrence, MA 01843 978.688.5070

www.thepccd.org

Growing up in Washington Heights, NYC, Mariannie summarized her feelings, “For me, especially coming from a place where I’ve witnessed the education offered so many to be minimal. I see what the folks at PCCD do for Maxxx, and no matter what my background, it’s been wonderful to feel that they really want him to learn.”

Maxxx and his family live in Methuen and have been partnering with PCCD’s EI Program for over 2 years. His mother ended by saying, “my child’s growth exemplifies their dedication to nurturing the potential of every child. My son is still growing, but I know he is being set up for success through the collaboration between our family and the PCCD team.”

PCCD continues to progress, not just with creative responses to the pandemic, but in the expansion of our organizations programing and the development of long-term strategic planning. In addition to updating our mission statement, the Board of Directors and staff are discussing the vision for each program and the organization. Creating short term goals that will move PCCD closer to achieving our long-term vision.

I look forward to sharing these with you in future communication.