March 2021 PCCD Newsletter

MARCH 2021 NEWSLETTER

PCCD BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS BRIAN LATINA CHAIR MARK PASCARELLA VICE CHAIR JOHN DECOURCY TREASURER JULIE PALMACCIO CLERK

March 13, 2020 was one of the hardest days in the history of The Professional Center for Child Development. On this day, the Executive Team and the Board of Directors had to make the difficult decision to suspend PCCD services due to COVID-19.

Our team worked tirelessly learning how to best navigate these extraordinary times.

We quickly adapted to using new methods and connected with families to continue to provide quality services.

The uncertainty was overwhelming. Little did we know, one year later we would be stronger because of the challenges that we had to face. The hard work and dedication of the PCCD Teams and their devotion to our clients, made all the difference. Our staff were creative and adaptable. They came to work each day with the sole focus of supporting our clients, ensuring that each child would receive the educational and therapeutic interventions they deserve.

Please take a moment to read Avery and Kathaleia’s stories and learn more about how PCCD persevered during the past year.

Chris Hunt, Executive Director

DIRECTORS MARK J. ALAIMO NEAL BESWICK SEAN CHENG JOSÉ CRUZ LYNETTE ELAM TRICIA SABULIS

The Professional Center for Child Development

THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND THE RIGHT TIME In April of 2020 Angélica Cruz and Josué Delgado of Methuen, welcomed their daughter Kathaleia, during the first months of a global pandemic. That summer the new parents noticed their precious infant wasn’t using her right arm much and contacted their pediatrician. The doctor referred her to PCCD Early Intervention (EI). The family said they were “directed to the right people.”

Although the pandemic restricted interactions, the family was able to receive home visits for their daughter.

Angelica remembers “from the beginning Katha was a sponge, absorbing everything and putting it into practice.

Everything was perfect.”

But then it all changed. As COVID-19 cases started to rise in the area, home visits were suspended.

Katha began receiving EI via Telehealth. The therapist and family connected virtually, “we encouraged Kathaleia to stimulate the use of her right hand, with toys, textures and lights” Angélica said.

As restrictions eased, the family took Katha to PCCD Andover facilities for centerbased visits and is looking forward to resuming EI at home. “Katha continues to work on her coordination, she is able to roll over on her own, sit upright, crawl and with help… she stands on her little feet. PCCD brought into our lives the tools that we need to support our baby’s development” said Kathaleia’s appreciative mother.

PCCD

PROGRAMS APPROVED PRIVATE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL •

Developmental Day School

CONSULTATION SERVICES •

Northeast Regional Consultation Program • Public School & Preschool Consultation EARLY INTERVENTION • • •

Home Visiting Toddler Groups Evaluations & Assessments

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

The family shared, “Even though the pandemic continues… we feel more than grateful for being present and supported each step that our little girl manages to take, since PCCD came into our lives at the right time.”

AVERY’S AMAZING TEAM “As hard as I try, I know I could never be as amazing as her teachers and therapists!” said Avery Wright’s mother, Kerry, after reflecting on the time spent with remote learning.

Four-year-old Avery is a student in the PCCD Developmental Day School. The Tewksbury family was concerned when the Day School transitioned to remote learning during the early months of 2020. Avery’s mother shared, “with Avery being out of the classroom, I was worried that she would lose some of the skills she had gained.” Like most families adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, the Wright’s had to juggle home life, their other children, and work, as well as assisting their child who needed additional support in her virtual classroom. Kerry Wright went on to say, “the teachers and therapists were so accommodating, and it was nice to see what Avery was working on in school”.

As Commonwealth guidelines allowed, PCCD students returned to classrooms in September. In-person learning, donning of PPE, and social distancing all happened with thoughtful preparation and without hesitation. The young learners needed and wanted to be back. Kerry added, “Avery loves social interaction and loves being back at school, I was happy that in-person learning was an option”.

Almost a year after the pandemic began, families in the Day School continue to realize they are also amazing! Parents have been teachers, coaches, therapists, and playmates, and there is no doubt they will continue to support their children in every way.

For more information on the exciting things happening at PCCD please follow us on social media and visit the PCCD website. Some highlights are the Woodbridge School’s very own website: www.woodbridgeschool.org and Sibshops, coming to PCCD soon!

THANK YOU! To all who made a gift to PCCD in this past year, thank you! Every gift matters.

Because of the generosity of friends like you, we continue to be able to provide services and support children and families.