Arc announces Rainbow Preschool will close

Posted 31 July 2020 at 11:52 am

Press Release, Arc of Genesee Orleans

ALBION – After decades of service, Rainbow Preschool, operated by Arc of Genesee Orleans, will permanently close on Aug. 14.

Rainbow Preschool, located in Batavia and Albion, serves children from 2½ to 5 years old with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The preschool provided special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, counseling, parent training, music therapy, and speech/language therapy to help students achieve kindergarten readiness.

Preschool staff are New York state certified teachers, with teacher assistants and aides in the classroom.

The decision was made after careful consideration by Arc of Genesee Orleans’ board of directors.

“This decision was made with heavy hearts,” said Donna Saskowski, executive director. “For any children who are enrolled with Rainbow for the 2020-21 school year, we will work directly with parents and with school district representatives to secure appropriate placements and ensure continuity of services.”

Rainbow Preschool provided critical services to generations of children with and without disabilities and they have a proud history of service for children with special needs. The current environment of the pandemic, uncertain funding and declining enrollment all played a role in this difficult decision. While no return to class date was set due to NY State COVID-19 restrictions, enrollment to date included 26 children.

The school in Albion was located at the Arnold Gregory Complex at 243 S. Main St. In Batavia, Rainbow Preschool was at the former Robert Morris school on Union Street.

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