NECC launches early learning program

MILLERTON — The happy sounds of learning and play are once again coming from 11 Park Street in Millerton as the North East  Community Center’s Early Learning program is up and running as of Monday, Oct. 17 when it’s state license became effective.

The building, which had been the home for the Astor Head Start program, is now providing a space for the NECC program that Manager Raina Cashdollar says is providing a critical service for area families.

For the past eight months, Cashdollar and her staff have been preparing for the big day as they focused on training and readying classrooms with cheerful painting and new bookcases as they made the space their own for the program which runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with plans to eventually add Saturday hours and serve 32 children.

Delighted to have the state’s go ahead after meeting its exacting standards, Cashdoller said, “We have been waiting so long. For me it’s a dream come true. And for my staff, I think they are just so excited to be able to begin implementing the training that we’ve done over the summer and of course all the fun material that we’ve gathered and strategically placed around our classroom to elicit inquiry and discovery — and — just fun!”

The new program, which has openings for children between the ages of 18 and 48 months, is taking the place of the both the Astor and NECC children’s programs. As is the case with all new programs, not everything that is needed  is available from day one and the Center would be happy to receive contributions from the community.

Classroom could use blankets, new tables and chairs, and toddler beds

Outside, there is a need for non-motorized riding toys and helmets. Cashdollar notes they also allow children to “practice their gross motor skills and strengthen their social — emotional skills by learning how to share.”

Anxious to provide as much support as the children might need, she is also hoping for donation of “mittens, gloves, rain or snow boots, snow pants and even winter jackets or sweaters so we have extra so that children don’t miss out on outdoor time” as well diapers for “emergency situations.”

Books are also high on Cashdollar’s wish list as she explains that reading “encourages all kinds of learning and development of skills, so reading is huge part of what we do here at the Early Learning Program” as the children take their first steps into reading, thinking and writing.

She adds that while the small playgound adjacent to the NECC Building at 51 S. Center Street is still available to the community, the new program is also accepting donations that can be put aside as they aim toward purchasing updated outdoor play equipment.

The staff includes one bi-lingual member; an on-site cook who provides breakfast, lunch and a late afternoon snack; and one lead teacher and an aid for each of the two classrooms. More professionals will be added when the program reaches it full capacity.

As a mother, Cashdollar recognizes that finding day care is always a challenge that is “almost impossible” to surmount. Some of the problem involves cost. While expensive, she says the Center’s rate of $55 per day or $275 per week for toddlers  and $52 per day or $260 per week for pre-school is below the “market rate.” She says the staff helps families apply for subsidies.

Currently, the program is fully staffed with lead teachers and assistants, but as it evolves they will be looking for an additional assistants as well as another lead teacher when the Saturday program is added.  Training and professional development funding is available.

At the end of the Center’s first official week Cashdollar said, “I am so excited to get to know families in this community and  partner with them so we can continue to offer these much needed supports.”

For more information, go to neccmillerton.org/early-learning-program or call Cashdollar at 518-789-4259 x 110.