The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Sunshine

Sunshine Staff Play Vital Role in Bringing Holiday Joy

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“Thoughtful and Inclusive” and an Interdisciplinary Effort

The Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehab Center is a very special place. This local facility is recognized as one of the top facilities of its kind, earning both five stars out of five from the government, as well as ranking in the US News and World report two years in a row.

What does Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehab Center offer? Their website says “Sunshine Children’s Home is a 54-bed licensed nursing facility that specializes in the care and treatment of medically complex children who require post-acute, rehabilitative care.” What does this mean to the lay person? They offer both short term and long term care, depending on the needs of the child. Unique to Sunshine is that the warmth that emanates from them.Their mission is, in part, to be a “second home” to the child, while providing necessary medical treatment and/or other related services. They foster an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating physical therapy, speech services, occupational therapy etc., as needed.

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For the children who reside at Sunshine, the holidays are especially important. The children look forward to this festive time all year! They are celebrated several different ways, and the celebratory season begins with Thanksgiving. For this kick off to the holiday season, the extended family, inclusive of the children, their family and their Sunshine family all dine together on a Thanksgiving meal. Children create various themed crafts in celebration of the holiday.

As the holidays progress, Linda Mosiello, the Administrator for Sunshine, said, “The month of December is one extended, inclusive holiday season as we celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Each holiday is rich with traditions and customs, energizing our staff to prepare joyful celebrations that capture the spirit of each. We have come to learn that thoughtful and inclusive holiday celebrations bring comfort to all the families–embodying our view that we are a second home for them.” This perspective and approach are part of what makes Sunshine such a special place.

Linda also expressed much gratitude to our local community, its organizations and volunteers alike, as well as donors who play such a vital role in the holiday celebrations for the children who reside there.

She said, “We are joined in our efforts by the generosity of community organizations and volunteer groups who seek to bring smiles to the children through ongoing celebration and gift giving.” She cited Scouts who make cards and sing to the children, as well as retired and still active members of the Police force who help bring holiday cheer to the children. Volunteers and staff guide the children in holiday games, baking, caroling and of course, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Center fills a need in the Westchester community and excels at it by creating a home away from home for these children and their families. Ms. Mosiello said it best when she said, “Sunshine is a remarkable home for our special children all year round, and they are extra blessed during the holiday season.”

Heather Skolnick, her husband Neal and three young children have lived in New Castle the last ten years. When Heather isn’t writing articles, she works for a footwear company as the Director of Planning.

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Unique Programs at Sunshine Bring Learning Home

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Back-to-school is an annual rite of passage that typical kids can take for granted each September and thanks to the Sunshine Children’s Home in Ossining, that’s even true for kids whose lives are anything but typical. The young residents of this unique pediatric nursing facility have medical needs so severe or complex that living or attending school off premises is not possible–so at Sunshine, a team of special educators, therapists and paraprofessionals bring the school experience to them.

“Every child is entitled to learn, grow and discover their own potential in a safe, loving and engaging educational environment, regardless of the medical challenges they face. We are deeply committed to providing that through Sunshine’s school program,” says Linda Mosiello, Administrator at the Sunshine Children’s Home; she describes a collaborative approach at Sunshine which encourages parents to become their children’s best education advocates. Our social workers are always available to ensure parents can stay informed and involved.”

Sunshine’s bright, colorful classrooms and innovative programs are carefully designed to support the children’s cognitive, physical and social/emotional development at every stage:

Newborn – Age 3

Sunshine’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a statewide program contracted with the Department of Health as both an evaluation site and provider of EI services. Sunshine’s youngest residents learn through interactive free play, gross/fine motor activity, story time, music and more. Educational outings such as apple picking, the botanical gardens and more help support community integration and social interaction.

Ages 3-5

The Sunshine Kids’ Clubhouse for Learning and Play, a state-approved, full-day preschool program, uses exploration and discovery to promote confidence, creativity and lifelong critical thinking skills.Students with cognitive and physical challenges benefit from a multisensory developmental approach to learning.

Ages 5-21

Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES has established a satellite, full-day school program for students with unique care needs who also receive medically-supervised care by Sunshine’s clinical team, including physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Staff follow the well-established Pines Bridge School community-based model to provide students with a safe, creative and stimulating learning environment that invites students to learn, explore and reach their maximum potential and level of independence.

Sunshine offers many volunteer opportunities through programs such as the Sunshine’s Cuddles Club, Reading Circle, Play Groups, Tuck In program, events and outings. For more info or to set an appointment for a tour, please contact Paula Listi: plisti@sunshinechildrenshome.org, or call 914-333-7090.