Helene Tsouprakos, Director
My fourteen years of teaching pre-school and elementary school aged children has given me the knowledge and opportunity to design and implement a progressive pre-school program that is second to none. As a mother of four young boys, and a West Islip resident, I realized the need for quality preschool education that implements the New York State Standards for pre-school. And so the South Shore  Children's' Center began. Using the positive experiences of my own children, as well as the NYS standards for pre-school, I opened the center in 2000. My goal was to offer my community as well as the neighboring communities a pre-school that fosters the benefits of early learning. The South Shore Children’s Center is innovative in style, yet fun is always a big part of the process.  The process is what we foster here at the center, not the project itself. 

Teaching has always been a part of my life. I began my career in retail, as a training manager for a major department store.  After leaving the world of retail, I finished a Masters Degree Program in Elementary Education and am certified to teach nursery school through sixth grade. Truly, I feel blessed to be part of a child’s preschool years. The firsts of early learning is a magical time, and each day I look forward to new and wonderful experiences.

Annmarie LaRosa, Director
As a West Islip resident, and a mother of  pre-school aged children, I recognize the importance of having quality preschool education.  The South Shore Children’s Center is a progressive facility where children come to learn, play, socialize, and be a kid.  Our instruction is built around the needs of the individual child and the importance of early childhood development.  As an educator, I recognize the importance of kindergarten readiness, and the need to be prepared for the challenges ahead.  Prior to coming to the Center, I taught elementary school for fifteen years.  All of my experience in elementary school was in the primary grades.   This experience gives me insight into what lies ahead for our kids.  I hold a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and I am certified by the state of New York for grades N-6.  Teaching has always been a calling for me.  Everyday is exciting and fun.  When you love what you do, the rewards are endless.  A smile, a hug, a giggle from a preschooler is the ultimate reward.