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White Plains Center Joins Babies Step Forward Program

SCARSDALE, N.Y. -- Infants and toddlers from low-income working families in Westchester have new opportunities to participate in Early Head Start child care programs thanks to a federal grant designed to improve early childhood development.

The Child Care Council of Westchester wants low-income families to know about the Babies Step Forward program.

The Child Care Council of Westchester wants low-income families to know about the Babies Step Forward program.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Babies Step Forward openings – for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years, 9 months, including those with special needs – are available at child care centers and group family care providers countywide. Parents must be working and either receiving, or eligible to receive, a child care subsidy through Westchester County.

“All children, no matter the circumstances of their birth, are entitled to the kind of quality early care and education that we know is so vital to early brain growth and to their ability to learn and develop as they get older,” said Kathy Halas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Westchester.

Babies Step Forward offers a responsive, relationship-based care and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Participating families also receive additional benefits, including access to a disability specialist, social worker and nurse, free diapers and wipes, and other ongoing support.

Full-day care is available at the following child care centers; parents should contact the centers directly if interested:

  • Greyston Learning Center, 68 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, 914-376-7200.
  • Tot’s Place, 8 Bent Ave., Port Chester, 914-939-1617.
  • Mount Kisco Child Care Center, 95 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco, 914-241-2135.
  • Lanza Learning Center, 150 Woodworth Ave., Yonkers, 914-378-1473.

Group family child care for days, nights and weekends is also available through Babies Step Forward, in the following locations: Elmsford, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, White Plains and Yonkers.

For more information about these options, contact Laura Cleare at the Child Care Council of Westchester, 914-761-3456, ext. 169 or laurac@cccwny.org.

Babies Step Forward is an Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership program funded in 2015 by a grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, announced in March by U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey. The Westchester Community Opportunity Program Inc received more than $2.4 million. 

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