By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

Kids at the Main Street Early Education School in North Syracuse now have a bigger and better place to play. Thanks to a $25,000 grant secured by Assemblyman Al Stirpe, Main Street has added on to the back section of the playground and purchased tricycles for its bike track.

Stirpe joined Main Street staff, the Friends of the North Syracuse Early Education Program, the Early Education PTO and North Syracuse Central School District Superintendent Annette Speach to officially cut the ribbon on the playground — using safety scissors, of course — in a ceremony Oct. 7.

“Gross motor play is essential. Getting outside is very important,” Main Street Principal Dawn Hussein said. “We have indoor spaces, but to be able to have outdoor places where the kids can play when the weather permits is good.”

Assemblyman Stirpe said two of his children attended the inclusive preschool at Main Street.

“This is important for kids with disabilities to be able to play outside and have fun,” Stirpe said. “Without [Main Street], there wouldn’t be a place to go for intensive therapy to change the trajectory for these kids.”

Stirpe said funding for schools such as Main Street has been flat for several years, and he considers the grant he secured for the playground to be an investment in the future.

The North Syracuse Early Education Program was founded in 1980 by Dr. Warren Grund. With a small staff, the NSEEP originally was housed in the Bessie Riordan School in Mattydale. Today, about 350 students from all over Central New York attend Main Street. The school serves children with and without disabilities.