Senator Flanagan Honored By Alternatives For Children

Senator John J. Flanagan (2nd Senate District) was recently honored by Alternatives for Children for his commitment to the children of Long Island. At a ceremony at the organization's East Setauket location, Senator Flanagan was presented with a plaque for his commitment to the children of his community and for his efforts in securing grant funding for the organization.

During his visit, Senator Flanagan was provided a tour of the new Sound Garden by Executive Director Marie E. Ficano and Chairman Vincent R. O'Leary. The cost of the innovative sound garden was offset by the funds that Senator Flanagan secured through the state.

"I want to thank Senator Flanagan for providing the funding for this specially fabricated musical and sound garden. This is a great opportunity for our children and for all the children who follow," stated Dr. Ficano.

According to Alternatives for Children, the Sound Garden is an outdoor play area with musical stations where children of all ability levels can experience a truly multi-sensory musical adventure. Children are able to beat drums, shake bells and play with other sound producing devices.

The entire yard is a sensory experience, from the moment children pass through the welcoming gate, to the large outdoor music classroom. The Sound Garden is a place that invites constant child exploration and offers therapists and staff a variety of new ways to help nurture and guide children.

Established in 1988, Alternatives For Children is a not-for-profit school that provides early intervention, day care and therapeutic preschool programs for children ages six weeks to six years across Long Island .

Alternatives For Children helps up to 600 children each year by providing special education services along with speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological and social work services, music and dance therapies, vision services and any other service deemed appropriate by the county or local school district. These services are provided at no cost to families through funding from the state, county and local school district.

For more information about the services offered by Alternatives for Children, please visit www.alternativesforchildren.org or call their East Setauket location, which is located at 14 Research Way, at 631-331-6400.

"Alternatives for Children provides a great service to the families of our community and I am happy to offer my help to this worthwhile organization. Meeting with the families that benefit from their services and the children that have grown through their efforts, I am proud to be associated with them. This is truly a great honor for me," stated Senator Flanagan.

SENATOR FLANAGAN RECEIEVES SOME INSTRUCTION ON THE PROPER USE OFTHE NEW SOUND GARDEN AT ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN IN EAST SETAUKET