Greenburgh nonprofit to close special education pre-K program
Program leadership did not give a reason for the decision, despite several attempts by News 12 both in-person and over the phone to get answers following calls from upset parents and staff throughout the day.
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Officials at the Lois Bronz Children's Center said they plan to shut down its special education pre-K program called "Stepping Stones."
Program leadership did not give a reason for the decision, despite several attempts by News 12 both in-person and over the phone to get answers following calls from upset parents and staff throughout the day.
A Greenburgh Town official did not know why the Stepping Stones program was closing but said enrollment has been down.
Two Stepping Stones employees told News 12 they were notified of the decision this morning.
"Parents are crying and screaming about this situation and I don't think it's fair for them," said 22-year Stepping Stones employee Elva Saco.
The center was founded in 1966 to address the growing need for childcare in Westchester County and has since evolved into a multifaceted program offering several early childhood programs.
This includes a full-day program for toddlers and pre-schoolers, before and after school, enrichment activities, and health and wellness opportunities.
Staff indicated only the New York state-certified special education preschool would be affected.
One staffer estimated somewhere between 20 to 35 students and more than a dozen staff could be impacted by the mid-school year closure.
"Outrageous. It's just sad. I don't have answers for the parents. I couldn't even answer my phone anymore because they kept calling and calling and I don't have the answers," said Saco.
Lois Bronz is funded through donations, the federal Head Start & Early Head Start, federal Baby Step Forward, the Westchester Department of Social Services, the New York state Department of Education and private grants.
