Walerstein Honored for Serving LI Families & Children

The Child Care Council of Suffolk’s Annual Meeting celebrated Founder and Executive Director Janet Walerstein’s achievements upon the occasion of her retirement. Walerstein was recognized as an “Unstoppable Champion for Children” as she fought tirelessly for more than 33 years to elevate the status and quality of child care and early childhood education for all Long Island parents and children.

Honorable Patrick G. Halpin, former Suffolk County executive, and Mercury Investments managing director, provided the Keynote Address in which he described Walerstein as a “true force of nature.” He was joined by numerous Long Island dignitaries in honoring Walerstein’s illustrious career, including: New York State Senator Phil Boyle; New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia; New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre; Suffolk County Legislators Monica R. Martinez and Kara Hahn; Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Director of Operations, Executive Chamber, Lisa Santeramo; Aide for Steven Flotteron, 11th District, Colleen Valdini; and Legislative Intern for Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino, 11th District, Jacqueline Schweitzer. Governor Andrew Cuomo also sent a congratulatory message to Walerstein writing, “As the founder and executive director of the Child Care Council of Suffolk, your dynamic leadership, creative partnership-building, and insightful advocacy have been tremendous assets for Long Island’s children and families.”

Empire National Bank President and COO Thomas Buonaiuto – who has served on the Child Care Council of Suffolk’s Board of Directors for the past 25 years – provided a heartfelt introduction to Honoree Janet Walerstein in which he lauded her “passion, drive, diplomacy (at times) directness (most of the time), ability to deliver a LOOK and communicate 1,000 words without uttering a sound, kind heart, sense of humor and presence when entering a room.” In her final CCCS address, Walerstein thanked her family, friends and colleagues who provided vital support to her personally and professionally through the years. She also repeated the Margaret Mead quote that formerly decorated her office wall: “The solution to adult problems tomorrow depends in large measure upon how our children grow up today.”

About the Child Care Council of Suffolk

Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc., is the not-for-profit planning and coordinating agency dedicated to making child care work for all of Suffolk County’s diverse communities. Through advocacy, education and resource and referral, the Council takes a leadership role in supporting children, families, providers, employers and the public to ensure that quality child care takes its place as an integral part of society.

PHOTO CAPTION: (l to r) Ana Figueroa and Diane Eppolito from Long Island Head Start; New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia, CCCS Executive Director Janet Walerstein, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, New York State Senator Phil Boyle, Suffolk County Legislator Monica R. Martinez, CCCS Associate Executive Director Jennifer Rojas, and CCCS Board of Directors President Michele Lauer-Bader (photo courtesy of K. Stanley Photography).