CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE

The Child Care Council of Suffolk’s (CCCS) 2016 Annual Meeting – which was held at Touro Law School, Central Islip, New York – focused on the importance of quality early care and education to the future of Suffolk County, New York State and the country. Former Newsday Editorial Writer Bob Keeler gave the Keynote Address, and CCCS presented Outstanding Advocate Awards to John F. O’Neill and Lucinda Hurley.

Back by popular demand for his second CCCS Annual Meeting Keynote Address, Keeler urged all attendees to become stronger, bolder advocates for quality early care and education. In his call to action, Keeler stated that there is still much work that needs to be done to “convince business and government leaders to rally around this important issue.” Surprise guest speaker Steve Bellone, Suffolk County executive, echoed this sentiment describing quality early care and education as one of the most important challenges facing government today, and vowing that: “Suffolk County will take a leading role in New York State on the issue of early childhood education.”

“Humbled” by his Outstanding Advocate Award, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Social Services John O’Neill described early care and education as “an investment, not a cost, that unlocks numerous opportunities for children to succeed.” CCCS Outstanding Advocate, Executive Director, Nassau BOCES’ Department of Strategic Initiatives, Lucinda Hurley praised the Annual Meeting participants for working tirelessly to improve the lives of parents and children on Long Island, even though she conceded that there is still much to do. According to Hurley, Long Island needs additional state recognition and funding for early care and education; and she urged all attendees to reach out to their elected leaders, Governor Cuomo in particular, to more strongly support quality child care and Pre-K in our region.

About the Child Care Council of Suffolk

Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc., is the not-for-profit planning and coordinating agency dedicated to making child care work for all of Suffolk County’s diverse communities. Through advocacy, education and resource and referral, the Council takes a leadership role in supporting children, families, providers, employers and the public to ensure that quality child care takes its place as an integral part of society.

Photo (l to r): Bob Keeler, Lucinda Hurley, Janet Walerstein, John O’Neill and Linda Armyn at Child Care Council of Suffolk Annual Meeting.