SEYMOUR – A former preschool special education teacher wants to bring children of all abilities together to create opportunities for them to learn, play and grow.  

Kimberly DeMarco, a married mom of two, is working to launch a community-focused initiative called “Extraordinary Explorers.”

To introduce the idea to the Valley, she is planning a free event from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Chatfield Park.

She’s calling it a “sensory play date” and it is open to all children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old.

“Our community is in dire need of programs specifically for preschool age where kids can socialize, engage and explore in a safe place,” DeMarco said. “My goal is to bridge the gap between disabilities and education.”

DeMarco taught for four years at a private special education preschool in Whitestone, N.Y. before moving to Seymour just about two years ago. 

She received her master’s degree in early childhood education and special education from Queens College. She and her husband, Devlin Avillaneda, are parents to Charlotte, 3, and Connor, four months.

DeMarco said her daughter, Charlotte, faced some speech delay issues and was the inspiration behind Extraordinary Explorers.

“Coming from teaching special education at a preschool, I know firsthand the challenges parents face, whether it’s public meltdowns, language issues or physical disabilities,” DeMarco said. 

DeMarco said she sees the fledgling program as something that could help families find support, share resources, have regular meeting/play dates, and to allow young children to have some fun together.

First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis helped the town get its first sensory playground installed at Chatfield Park in 2024. She said she wants to help DeMarco get her program off the ground.

“I love what Kim is trying to do with Extraordinary Explorers,” Drugonis said via an email. “All kids should have a place where they can play, make friends and feel included. That’s why our sensory playground was so important to me, and I’m happy to see Kim working to give our families more opportunities like this.”

Here’s a link to sign up for the playdate.

For more information, DeMarco can be reached via email at extraordinaryexplorers@yahoo.com.