Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Childcare Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574-4244

Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Theresa Morahan Simmons Center for Children and Families
at SUNY Rockland Community College

Suffern, NY - The public is invited to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new childcare center at SUNY Rockland Community College on Sunday, July 27, 10:30 a.m.

The ceremony in honor of the building of the Theresa Morahan Simmons Center for Children and Families will take place on site behind the Academic I building at SUNY RCC, 145 College Road, Suffern. In the event of rain, ceremonies will be held in the Technology Center, Room 8180 (Ellipse). The event is sponsored by the Board of Directors, Campus Fun & Learn Child Development Center and Dr. Cliff L. Wood, President, SUNY Rockland.

The new childcare center at the College is named in memory of Theresa Morahan Simmons, a dedicated first-grade teacher. The new center will replace Building D with a modern facility that will serve children from infancy through after-school age. The program will include art, music, language activities, and more. The program is open to the community, and RCC students who enroll their children qualify for scholarships and subsidies for child care tuition, making it very affordable.

In addition to providing care and education to young children, the Center will provide an opportunity for education students, psychology students and others to gain experience and understanding in working with young children.

The late Mrs. Simmons taught first grade for seven years at Richard P. Connor Elementary School, where she was known for her dedication, creativity and compassion, as well as for her leadership and advocacy in the Ramapo Teacher's Association.

"This is an opportunity to honor the memory of Mrs. Simmons, linking her name to a cause dear to her heart," said President Wood.

The new facility will accommodate 58 full-time slots, with potential for several more on a part-time basis, as well as 24 after-school slots and additional evening slots. It will also greatly increase teacher observation and internship capability. The center was designed by EYP Architects of Albany, NY.

For more information, contact Doreen Zarcone, Assistant Director of Communications, at (845) 574-4323. For more information about the College, visit the website at www.sunyrockland.edu

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.