RIOC ANNOUNCES YOUTH CENTER OBTAINS A SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE (SACC) LICENSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation obtains its School Age Child Care License

'The advanced programming made available by grant funding will elevate RIOC's already exceptional array of programs and activities for our children to improve their social and cognitive skills,' says Haynes

Roosevelt Island, NY - January 17, 2023 - Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes today announced the Youth Center has officially obtained its New York State School Age Child Care (SACC) license. The newly acquired license allows RIOC to enter the next phase of its youth development endeavors. The SACC license supports RIOC's commitment to providing high-quality programming to its members with new specialized programming while further expanding on its current programming menu, which offers podcast, film, chess, photography, science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), sports, music production, garden, culinary, yoga, and biking. RIOC will also have the opportunity for off-island cultural enrichment field trips that will help enhance the adolescent and youth's cognitive development. With trips being a new core highlight of the program, RIOC's new grant funding eligibility allows for an increase and enhancement to its programming with city, state, federal, and private funding streams of up to one million dollars. As RIOC continues to enhance its programming, this license will allow access to a wide range of resources supporting RIOC's commitment to providing a robust service to Roosevelt Island families.

"The Roosevelt Island Youth Center is a cornerstone in the community - cherished by the many families and, most importantly, our little learners," said President & CEO Shelton J. Haynes. "Coupled with RIOC's historic investment to redesign the Youth Center, the advanced programming made available by grant funding will elevate RIOC's already exceptional array of programs and activities for our children to improve their social and cognitive skills.

Youth Center Director Ana Medina stated, "One of the most important imprints and legacies you can leave on a community is the ability to be positive agents of change and help uplift our youth and future leaders in everything we do. Our new SACC license allows us to better equip our next generation of leaders with the skills they need to be successful. I applaud President Haynes for his out-of-the-box thinking to further support our Island children with the enhanced services the SACC license will grant Roosevelt Island families."

President & CEO Haynes added, "Having been a part of the Youth Center's transformative change since its inception is why it has such a special place in my heart. The Youth Center's facelift made it the hallmark destination on the Island for our kids to want to go to. Reimagining the Center was the first phase. Next was creating a safe space. The final phase is providing the gold standard of programming for children, on par with some of the best available in New York City. I am proud to say we accomplished that goal thanks to the SACC license."

Since 2019, RIOC has operated the Youth Center as an after-school and summer drop-in center to be a safe and inclusive environment for youth to gather, socialize, and engage in activities. Working with the community, the Center has served as an outlet for youth recreational, educational, and artistic programming.

"Youth development is critical as it shapes who we are as adults. The new license will support our Island kids even more with a high-quality experience after school. It's no secret that the Youth Center fills the gap between after the final school bell rings and when they go home, so we must support them with the best services available. With the administration's support, we aspire to inspire their creative passions and incite their curiosity with hands-on learning activities and other advanced programming," said Youth Center Manager Isaiah Holman.

The SACC license allows RIOC to apply for city, state, and private grants for additional programming. The SACC application includes a rigorous process meeting criteria established by the New York City Department of Health (DOH) and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). RIOC has successfully completed all inspections to ensure the Youth Center facility can be used as a childcare program.

About the New York State SACC License:

The New York State School Age Child Care (SACC) license can be obtained by any non-residential program or facility that provides child daycare to an enrolled group of seven or more school-age children under 13 years of age, which operates outside normal school hours and is consistent with the school calendar.

The SACC license was granted by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

About Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC):
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) was created in 1984 by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, design, develop, operate, and maintain Roosevelt Island. With a focus on innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, RIOC is committed to providing services that enhance the island's residential community. RIOC manages the two-mile-long island's roads, parks, buildings, a sports facility, and public transportation, including the iconic aerial tramway. Additionally, RIOC operates a Public Safety Department that helps maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, employees, business owners, and visitors.

Media Contact:
Akeem H. Jamal
Assistant Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs
[email protected]