STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — City Councilmember Frank Morano spent Feb. 5 serving as “principal for the day” at Eden II Programs’ Little Miracles Preschool, joining faculty and students for a day focused on education, advocacy and awareness.
Morano, who represents the 51st Council District, participated in classroom activities as Eden II marks its 50th anniversary of service to the autism community on Staten Island.
Eden II Programs is a nonprofit organization that provides community-based services and support for individuals with autism across their lifespan.
Now in its 50th year, the organization serves more than 500 individuals throughout New York City and Long Island.
During the visit, Little Miracles Preschool Director Lauren Grimaldi and members of Eden II’s executive team met with Morano to discuss the need for expanded specialized early childhood services on Staten Island’s South Shore.
“Having Councilman Morano here to witness the ‘miracles’ that happen in our classrooms every day is invaluable,” Grimaldi said.
She added: “We discussed the vital importance of expanding preschool access on the South Shore to ensure every child with autism has the opportunity to reach their full potential as early as possible.”
City Council Member Frank Morano served as “principal for the day” at Eden II Programs’ Little Miracles Preschool recently. (Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)(Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)
The visit included a reading of The Polar Express for students, followed by a hot chocolate social. Morano also toured the school, visited classrooms and took part in a lesson to observe the evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis methodology used by staff.
The visit also highlighted the growth of Eden II, which has expanded from a small program into a comprehensive service provider under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Joanne Gerenser.
“As we celebrate 50 years of service, our mission remains focused on supporting individuals with autism throughout their lives,” Gerenser said.
“Support from local leaders like Councilman Morano helps shine a light on the dedication of our staff and the incredible resilience of our students,” she added.
Morano’s participation as “principal for the day” emphasized ongoing collaboration between local officials and service providers aimed at ensuring families have access to specialized care and resources for children with developmental disabilities.
City Council Member Frank Morano served as “principal for the day” at Eden II Programs’ Little Miracles Preschool recently. (Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)(Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)
MORE ABOUT EDEN II
Founded in 1976, Eden II Programs began as a small educational initiative serving six students with the support of a single special education teacher.
Nearly five decades later, the nonprofit has grown into a regional provider serving more than 500 individuals throughout New York City and Long Island.
Eden II Programs is dedicated to supporting people with autism across their lifespan through a combination of service, science and commitment.
The organization delivers a wide range of programs rooted in the evidence-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis, addressing the developmental challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Eden II is nationally recognized for its work with individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with complex and significant support needs.
City Council Member Frank Morano served as “principal for the day” at Eden II Programs’ Little Miracles Preschool recently. (Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)(Courtesy Kevin J. Brosnick)
On Staten Island, more than 130 families are enrolled in full-day educational programs spanning early childhood through adulthood.
In 2015, Eden II opened the Honorable James P. Molinaro Center for Autism, a state-of-the-art facility that serves 68 participants ages 8 to 21 in elementary and secondary programs and also houses the organization’s administrative headquarters.
Additional Staten Island services include a preschool program, Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) services, an adult day habilitation program serving more than 90 individuals, and five community residences that are home to 39 adults with autism.
In addition to its core programs, Eden II offers community habilitation, respite care, afterschool services and a variety of family support programs that collectively benefit hundreds of individuals and families.
The organization also provides consultation services at the local, national and international levels.