On Thursday, May 9th, childcare providers from Putnam and Dutchess counties gathered at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls to celebrate the annual Champions of Child Care Awards. Over 10,000 children are cared for throughout Putnam and Dutchess, and at the St. Lawrence O’Toole Early Childhood Learning Center, we are extremely proud to be a handful of those caregivers.

To celebrate the value of the daily work of the childcare workers in the months leading up to the Champions of Child Care event, parents and peers are encouraged to nominate their providers as a school and as individuals for outstanding performance. Additionally, Champions of Child Care is an opportunity to recognize providers for significant milestone years of services.

We are delighted to share that as a program the Early Childhood Learning Center was nominated, along with staff members Mrs. Brenda Gillespie and Mrs. Melanie D’Addario. Milestone achievement awards were presented to Mrs. Clara Segreti and Ms. Maria Morelli.

We are thrilled to announce that of all the staff nominations, Mrs. Gillespie was awarded Putnam County Staff Member of the Year. Although we know what a truly special place the ECLC is, these recognitions are a true testament to the faithful, family-oriented, and loving community that we strive to create every day.