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11th Annual Leadership Summit Celebrates with Award Night
Children of America® Announces the Reopening of COA Smithtown After Historic Flooding.
SMITHTOWN, NY, February, 12, 2025
Children of America® (COA), is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Smithtown location on February 18, 2025, following a devastating 1,000-year storm that caused catastrophic flooding across Suffolk County. After months of extensive repairs and restoration, the fully renovated facility is ready to welcome families back, marking a new chapter for the resilient Smithtown community.
Rebuilding After Disaster: A Commitment to Families
In August 2024, Smithtown and surrounding areas experienced an unprecedented record-breaking storm, with over 10 inches of rainfall in a single day, leading to severe flooding, power outages, and structural damage. Like many local businesses and homes, COA Smithtown was forced to close as floodwaters heavily impacted the facility. Families were displaced, and staff worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and effective recovery process.
“Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve,” said Ted Hockenberry, Chief Executive Officer of COA. “After witnessing the devastating impact of this storm, we made it our mission to rebuild—not just our facility, but the sense of stability, trust, and community that COA provides to working families.”
In addition to the Founders Recognition Award, DeAngeline Sebastian has been presented with a check for $10,000 as a token of appreciation for her exceptional service to the Children of America community. This gesture not only acknowledges her heroic act but also serves as a testament to the profound impact that educators can have beyond the classroom.
A Fresh Start for Smithtown Families
After extensive renovations, COA Smithtown is reopening with:
✔️ Enhanced Facilities: Completely modernized classrooms and common areas designed to inspire learning and creativity.
✔️ Trusted Care: The same passionate educators families know and trust, committed to nurturing children’s development.
✔️ Community Connection: A renewed focus on supporting working parents and fostering strong family relationships. The reopening represents more than just a return to normal—it’s a symbol of strength, renewal, and the unwavering commitment COA has to the Smithtown community.
Enrollment & Reopening Details
COA Smithtown will officially reopen its doors on February 18, 2025. Previously enrolled families are encouraged to reserve their child’s spot. We will also be hosting a Family & Friends Grand Opening event on February 22nd from 10am – 2pm EST. See more details here.
For enrollment inquiries, visit childrenofamerica.com or call us at (631) 237-2546.
A Heartfelt Thank You
COA extends its deepest gratitude to the families, staff, and community members who stood by us during this difficult time. Your patience, resilience, and support have been invaluable, and we are honored to welcome you back into a refreshed and renewed COA Smithtown.
About Children of America
Children of America is a leading provider of early childhood education, serving families across 15+ states with a commitment to nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Learn more at childrenofamerica.com.