The Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court is a welcomed place of respite for children and families who have business in family court. Far from a simple daycare service, the Children’s Center provides early-learning, social connection, and emotional well-being in a safe and caring environment.

Through a grant made possible through United Way this summer, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center partnered with Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, introducing new and exciting ways to impact our clients. Through familiar faces like Elmo, Big Bird, and the rest of the Sesame Street family, the Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court utilized a diverse range of resources and tools, spanning issues from Healthy Minds & Bodies to Tough Topics, that are designed to help children navigate challenges like trauma, grief, and parental addiction.

Each day, our teachers and volunteers have exposed the children to the Sesame Workshop resources, allowing them to learn about friendship, art, and health, often practicing breathing techniques as a group to help with stress management. Children are able to apply the skills they learn at the Center to their daily routine, enhancing their communication and coping skills.

Many of our young clients at the Children’s Center aren’t familiar with Sesame Street, so this partnership has introduced them to a world of fun and creativity experienced by previous generations for decades. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive; many expect their children to simply play while they tend to court matters, but when they see the engaging and educational resources we provide, they leave with a renewed sense of hope for their children and appreciation of our work.

Making a Difference

The impact of Sesame Workshop is seen through the personal experiences of the children themselves. One example came from two siblings who felt drawn to a webpage that focused on coping with divorce. This video acknowledged the difficulties of separation while emphasizing that change, although challenging, is a natural part of life.

Afterward, a teacher sat down with the siblings to reflect on what they had learned. When asked about their takeaway from the video, they responded: “Mom and Dad love us, no matter what.”

For Monica Doyley, Head Teacher and Supervisor of the Children’s Center, moments like these clearly show the importance of the Children’s Center. “That type of answer is why we do what we do,” she says. “We aren’t babysitters—we’re a resource that supports children and families throughout the hardest challenges they face.”

This partnership with Sesame Workshop has opened new doors of learning and healing at the Children’s Center, allowing us to continue supporting children in ways that are meaningful, educational, and fun. As we continue to incorporate these tools into daily activities, we remain committed to ensuring that every child who enters the Center takes home a sense of hope and belonging.