VCLC Students Learn About Growing Fruits & Vegetables

Students at Variety Child Learning Center (VCLC) in Syosset recently learned how fruits and vegetables spring up from the ground and eventually reach the tables and tummies of the children and their families.

Cassidy Kirch, an organic gardener who is also Senior Supervisor of Farm & Garden Programs at Island Harvest Food Bank, showed the children the fascinating journey of plants from seeds to plants needing water, sunshine and air to grow. This hands-on learning experience allowed the students to understand the process better, planting pea seeds that, once they take root, will be planted in a dedicated garden area at VCLC’s Syosset campus. The youngsters will be able to see the progression from seed and soil to seedling and eventually to a full-grown, mature plant bearing peas by the end of the growing season.

About Variety Child Learning Center
Variety Child Learning Center (VCLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters the development, education and inclusion of children who require specialized services. VCLC offers programs at four Long Island preschool-based locations, as well as in the home and community. Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and regulated by the State Education Department, the Department of Health, and the Office of Children and Family Services, VCLC provides a comprehensive range of programs and services that meet the individual educational, therapeutic and social-emotional needs of children with and without disabilities. Programs include early intervention, and preschool and universal pre-K, with evaluations offered for supportive services/ therapies, childcare, and family support. All aspects of a child’s development—from six weeks through eight years of age—are addressed. VCLC’s programs are led by compassionate and dedicated professionals, including special education teachers; social workers and psychologists; speech, physical and occupational therapists; and an experienced administrative and executive leadership team. For more information, visit www.vclc.org, or call 516-921-7171.