Variety Child Learning Center Celebrates 60 Years of Groundbreaking Education and Early Intervention for Children with Autism and Other Neurodiverse Learning Needs
SYOSSET, NY — June 23, 2026 — In 1966, autism was not part of our vocabulary, and certainly not well understood. Autism was often misdiagnosed as childhood schizophrenia or erroneously attributed to cold or emotionally distant parenting.
But at a time when early intervention was not widely understood, Judith S. Bloch recognized its profound importance and believed that identifying developmental challenges early, while actively involving families, could significantly improve outcomes for children. Her pioneering efforts inspire pride and admiration among supporters and stakeholders.
Now known as a pioneer, advocate, and visionary in early childhood education and intervention, Judith founded Pre-Schooler’s Workshop with a single classroom in Garden City in April 1966. One of the first special education preschools in the nation and a model for integrated, family-centered care, the organization expanded over the decades, changing its name to Variety Child Learning Center to reflect its broader mission. Based in Syosset, a former school it purchased in the 1980s, Variety now has four campuses, including two schools in Levittown and a newly established location in East Northport, opened in September 2025 to meet the growing demand for specialized educational services in Suffolk County, exemplifying its ongoing commitment to community needs.
Judith was a fierce advocate for national public policy and promoting changes that addressed the needs of neurodiverse children and their families. She developed and championed numerous innovative approaches such as the Home-School Collaborative Model and the Five P’s System, which continue to influence best practices today. Her work extended beyond the classroom, reaching professionals, families, and communities through widely used training films and educational materials that include A Time for Georgia, Teaching Children Self-Control, Parents Talk, Jennifer is a Lady, and The Five P’s Partnership: Transforming Educational Goals into Realities. These works translated complex developmental concepts into practical strategies that remain relevant and impactful today.
Ms. Bloch’s enduring legacy was dedicating nearly five decades to advancing opportunities for children and families, reflected in the thousands of lives impacted by her work and in the continued growth of Variety Child Learning Center, the organization she built and served as its CEO for nearly five decades, from its founding in 1966 until her retirement in 2012. Judith’s legacy continues to inspire hope and motivation among supporters and stakeholders, emphasizing the lasting impact of her dedication.
“The principles established by Judith—early intervention, family partnership, and individualized support—remain central to Variety’s programs,” said Janet Koch, who has been the CEO of Variety since 2022. “Her influence continues to shape how Variety supports children at all stages of development, from classroom instruction to therapeutic services and family engagement.”
For over sixty years, Variety has positively impacted the lives of more than 15,000 children and families across Long Island and beyond. The organization provides early intervention, preschool, and school-age services tailored to each child’s unique developmental needs. With strong leadership, Variety is well-positioned for future growth, creating supportive environments where children requiring specialized educational services can thrive and reach their full potential. Additionally, Variety aims to change societal perceptions of autism and neurodiverse individuals, ensuring they are valued and supported.
“As Variety marks its 60th anniversary, the founding vision remains a guiding force for the organization, rooted in innovation, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child,” said Ms. Koch, who added, “I also express my gratitude to the staff, past and present, for their contributions in shaping the organization into what it is today, as well as to the board of trustees for their guidance and unwavering commitment to our mission.”