Variety Child Learning Center provides special education and support services to children and families, along with professional development and research.

VCLC is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit center providing special education programs for children who reside in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City, with developmental and learning disabilities, including autism, along with programs and support services for families.

Training early childhood professionals and ongoing research that leads to improved educational and social outcomes for young children are major components of VCLC's mission.

VCLC is:

• Approved by the New York State Department of Health to perform evaluations, and provide special education and early intervention services for children birth to 3 years of age.

• Chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York.

• Approved by the New York State Education Department as a special education facility and evaluation site for children 3 - 8 years of age.

With a staff of over 420 that includes; special education teachers; assistant teachers; therapists (physical, occupational, speech); psychologists; social workers; school nurse; and approximately 80 volunteers, (including graduate and undergraduate interns); VCLC provides special education services and programs to thousands of children and families, on- and off-site.

Professional development training seminars, workshops, and consultation services for early childhood educators, professionals, and pediatric residents are offered on and off-site.

Funding for the following programs and services is provided by federal, state and county governments; school districts; and fund-raising. VCLC programs and services are provided at no cost to families, with the exception of a few after-school programs. 

During this past year since the pandemic began, VCLC is proud to share that programs and services for our children and families continued. When we were closed last Spring and unable to provide face-to-face instruction, VCLC staff seamlessly changed to remote instruction and provided the children and families with telehealth related therapies as well as special education instruction. In September, VCLC reopened its doors to provide a hybrid model of instruction until we felt it was safe to switch to all face-to-face instruction in November. Today, a majority of our children are back in the building in classes with their teachers and peers. A small number of families have chosen remote only learning. With the extraordinary circumstances the past year has presented, VCLC is proud to share that we have been successful in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for our staff and children during the global pandemic. VCLC has been diligent in adding services to ensure the cleanliness of the building as well as adapting appropriate protocols throughout the year. The health and safety of our staff and children remains our upmost priority. As VCLC looks ahead to a more positive year in 2021 we are excited to celebrate 55 years of academic excellence.