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Light Rain Fog/Mist Stand for Children Day commemorated at Eisenhower
In spite of grey skies, the Child Care Council of Nassau hosted toddlers, public officials and more at the 19th annual Stand for Children Day at Eisenhower Park.
The local event — which commemorates the first Stand for Children Day, which was a rally held in 1996 in Washington D.C. that drew more than 300,000 people to the Lincoln Memorial — was held at the East Meadow park on Friday, June 3. Although the forecast called for light rain, Stand for Children Day festivities attracted approximately 50 children from childcare programs across Nassau, including Rozzie’s Daycare, Island Sunshine, Patience and Dedication, Made for Mini’s Family Day Care and Little Cutie’s Daycare.
The Child Care Council of Nassau, a Garden City-based nonprofit that has served the community since 1972, advocates for all families to have access to affordable, quality childcare and early learning, which officials said fosters successful growth and development for every child. They noted that their Stand for Children Day serves as a re-dedication to the issues surrounding the well-being and development of children.
According to the council, youngsters and supporters alike plant flowers in a garden at Eisenhower on Stand for Children Day because this symbolizes a re-affirmation of the community’s commitment to quality childcare and early education. The children had some help from public officials in attendance, including New York State Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, of East Meadow; Alyvia Jean-Charles, from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office; Nassau County Deputy Commissioner of Parks Brian Nugent; and Nassau County Legislators Ellen Birnbaum and Rose Marie Walker.
Jan Barbieri, the executive director of the Child Care Council of Nassau, expressed special thanks to Maria Santiago — Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s community relations representative — for her support and enthusiasm. Santiago said she was pleased that their organizations have established a relationship. “It was so much fun to interact with the children,” she added, referencing the event.
In addition, the Nassau County Chapter of the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children was also acknowledged for their continued support of Stand for Children Day. The flowers the children planted were dedicated to a particularly active member of the group, Margo O’Connor.
