The Importance of Quality Child Care

The Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc. (CCCS) recently held its largest ever Champions of Children Luncheon at the Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack, New York. “We are grateful to all our Champions of Children guests. Your participation here today and ongoing financial support help us honor our commitment made in 1985 to advocate for affordable, quality child care services for Long Island’s working families. We additionally are pleased to celebrate our largest ever Champions of Children Luncheon in this beautiful new Suffolk County venue,” stated Janet Walerstein, CCCS executive director.

The 31st Annual Champions of Children Luncheon honored Luis Vazquez, president of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and consultant and co-owner of Casa De Vinos, Inc., which imports, exports and distributes quality fine wine from Chile and Latin America. "It is my pleasure to be recognized as the 2016 Champions of Children honoree,” said Glen Cove resident Vazquez. “Child care is an estimated $804 million industry on Long Island, and the Child Care Council of Suffolk is an integral part of this vital economic engine. As partners, we can support working families and strengthen Long Island’s economy – today and in the future."

In a letter to the Child Care Council of Suffolk, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo congratulated CCCS and distinguished honoree Luis Vazquez, writing: “the Chamber and the Council’s leadership efforts have strengthened and supported the entire family, as dependable child care for children directly contributes to the health and stability of the community.”

Photo Caption: The Child Care Council of Suffolk honored Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Luis Vazquez at the 31st Annual Champions of Children Luncheon. Pictured here (l to r): Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Best Back Stretch Executive Director Paul Ruchames, CCCS Executive Director Janet Walerstein, Luis Vazquez, CCCS Board of Directors President Michele Lauer-Bader and Board of Directors Member Elizabeth Custodio.

About the Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc.
The Child Care Council of Suffolk is the not-for-profit planning and coordinating agency dedicated to making child care work for all Suffolk County’s diverse communities. Through advocacy, education, and resource and referral, CCCS 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.