ONEONTA – On Saturday, March 28, Springbrook will hold its fourth annual Gala event at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, and this year, the proceeds will benefit the Kids Unlimited Preschool program.
Kids Unlimited is one of the only integrated pre-school programs in the area, serving both typical functioning and special needs students. “They students learn from each other,” said Administrative Assistant Jamie Waters. “Children have no apprehension to students with differences.”
Preschool Director Kelly Meyers explained that Springbrook’s program is made up of three classrooms, two on the main campus and one in downtown Oneonta. “We’re now serving students from Otsego and Delaware counties, but we have served Chenango County in the past as well,” Meyers said.
The program is a multi-age setting for children from 3 to 5 years of age. “We teach to each child’s developmental level and try to get all of the students ready for their kindergarten year.
“This is the only integrated program in Otsego County,” Meyers said. “I’m very excited that the gala will be able to benefit this program this year.”
Meyers explained that while the students without disabilities are enrolled on a tuition basis, funds for the special needs students come from the county of residence, with some money reimbursed by the New York State Education Department. “Everyone in education is nervous about the budget over the next few years. We depend on financial support to keep our doors open,” Meyers said.
In the classroom, special education Teacher Bob Whiteman explained a typical day is a balance between teacher directed and child directed times. Throughout the year, he said, he can see the progress the children are making toward their future success.
“The biggest thing is that the kids begin to work together as a group and begin to learn social skills so they can continue to successfully adjust to the real world,” Whiteman said.
One of the benefits of Springbrook’s program is the student-to-adult ratio. With teachers, aides, assistants and therapists in each class room, the numbers work out to be approximately four children for every adult.
The gala event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 at the Otesaga Hotel and Resort in Cooperstown. “This year it looks like we may have our best attended gala yet,” Waters said. Generally, approximately 250 people attend the event. Springbrook has received 200 responses so far, and there are still several weeks to go. “We hope to raise $100,000 this year,” Waters said.
The theme of this year’s gala event will be “what do you dream?” Connor Gifford, a 27 year old with down syndrome will be honored this year. Waters explained that Gifford showed success and courage by overcoming his disability to follow his dream of writing his own book, “The World According to Connor Gifford.”
The gala will include cocktails and a silent auction, dinner, dancing and entertainment. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kelly Decker at 286-7171 ext. 343.