April 11, 2011
By Kathleen Fox Casale, M.S. Ed.
“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Neal, I have had the pleasure of meeting you on a few occasions over the years. I am writing to ask you to help us take action with regard to the proposed daycare classroom cuts. This matter is close to my heart because nineteen years ago, I put my only child in daycare so that I could work and go to school.
My daughter attended Pre-K and Kindergarten in an ACS funded daycare and then spent the next four years in an ACS funded After School Program. Having the peace of mind of knowing that my daughter was safe and well cared for until 6:00 p.m. each night played a significant role in my ability to complete my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I am now a New York State Certified Teacher at Small World Day Care Center, a daycare center that was just been informed that it will be losing 2 classrooms, as well as a tax payer. ACS has been providing quality, affordable day care for the last 75 years.
This is a system that works and I am not sure why other parents are in danger of losing the same services that were provided to my family I would also like to add that my daughter left daycare so well prepared for school, that she has been in Honor’s Classes since First Graduated In June of 2010, my daughter, Francesca, graduated from St. Joseph’s College on a full Presidential Scholarship. She was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to every college she applied to.
Francesca began her career as a 7th Grade Special Education Teacher at M.S. 137 in September 2010. She also started her Master’s Degree in Literacy and Cognition and was given a partial scholarship. Scholarships for graduate studies are hard to come by, her success as a student is largely due to the foundation she received in her early years at Small World Day Care Center. The success of my daughter and me would not have been possible without the services provided to us during a critical time in our lives, and I will always be grateful to this system. Please use your voice and connections to make stories like mine known and help give other families have the same chance we had.
