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(Paramus, NJ) June 4, 2010 – All work and lots of play. For a child, play is not a recreational diversion, but a necessary activity that is part of his or her healthy development. To that end, the Children's Aid and Family Services' Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center celebrated World Play Day on May 28, 2010.World Play Day, as dedicated by the International Toy Library Association, was established in 1999.
The Turrell Center hosted a fun-filled field day for its pre-kindergarten classes, with the children participating in scooter races, hula-hoop contests, parachute games and basketball. "We believe in giving children the best start possible, and that includes providing them with our time and attention, a safe environment, quality toys and an atmosphere that encourages them to play," says Sandy Richards, director of childcare services for the Turrell Center. "These elements of playful learning help each child to learn to manage his or her world more successfully, as well as prepare them for the next stage of life."
The Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center recently co-hosted a successful conference with the USA Toy Library Association called "No Biting, No Fighting: Dealing with Challenging Behaviors." Additionally, the Turrell Center boasts the first toy library in Bergen County, and only the third in New Jersey: The Elaine Adler Toy Library. Mrs. Adler, a Franklin Lakes resident, funded the library through her foundation. In addition to her generous philanthropy, Mrs. Adler serves on the board of the USA Toy Library Association and is the co-owner of Myron Manufacturing in Maywood. The mission of the toy library is to provide children and their families with an attractive, family-friendly library setting filled with appropriate toys of all types for healthy playtime. The toys available encourage pretend play, creative play, sensory play, school play, and game play.
The Turrell Center is fully licensed and accredited. It serves infants and children from ages eight weeks to kindergarten, with an age-appropriate curriculum, nutritious meals and snacks and part- and full-time schedules, as well as extended hours.
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 110 years. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. | 
