In Poughkeepsie, Gillibrand Highlights $1.2M in Funding

POUGHKEEPSIE – Recently, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stood at DAY ONE Early Learning Community to highlight $1.2 million in congressionally directed spending that she secured for DAY ONE to expand high-quality, affordable day care options for low-income Dutchess County families. With this funding, DAY ONE will be able to hire seven new staff, open new classrooms, and serve 40% more students, whose families might not otherwise be able to afford high-quality day care. Gillibrand was joined by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers, as well as Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Rebecca Edwards, Geraldine Laybourne, and Dr. Julie Riess, who are Co-Founders of DAY ONE Early Learning Community.

During the visit, Gillibrand also highlighted the other federal funding she secured for Poughkeepsie in the recent government funding bills, including over $1 million to establish a multipurpose community center, and another $1 million to enhance behavioral health and other critical services for community members.

“A shortage of affordable child care providers in the Hudson Valley forces too many working parents to make the impossible choice between going to work and taking care of their kids,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today, I’m proud to highlight this $1.2 million in federal funding that will help DAY ONE provide a lifeline to more families in Dutchess County, offering low-cost early childhood education to dozens of families in the region. This funding will allow DAY ONE to hire more staff, open more classrooms, and reach even more children between the ages of 18 months and four years. I’ll keep working tirelessly to support organizations like DAY ONE and make child care more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

“I thank Senator Gillibrand for taking the time to come to Poughkeepsie to address the need for affordable day care options and the funding she has secured to confront the challenges,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers.

“Too many children who should have more supervision are being left home alone because parents are struggling to find adequate and affordable day care options. This funding will help expand those options allowing DAY ONE Early Learning Community to develop teachers and provide a supportive learning community that enables parents to enter or re-enter the workforce knowing that their children are being properly looked after. DAY ONE is doing great work, and this funding will allow them to hire more staff, open new classrooms and serve more children.”

“Dutchess County has been proud to partner with the DAY ONE Early Learning Community for many years with County funding support. DAY ONE’s work to provide high-quality daycare with trained early childhood education teachers is a critical component of Dutchess County’s Path to Promise initiative to ensure all young people have the assets they need – from cradle to career – to achieve their full potential. We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her support of DAY ONE’s important work,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino.

“How extraordinary to be able to stand together with Senator Gillibrand here at the DAY ONE Early Learning Center, announcing this singular investment in New York’s families,” said DAY ONE Co-Founders Geraldine Laybourne & Dr. Julie Riess. “Senators Gillibrand and Schumer have recognized DAY ONE’s innovative approach to community-based progress in broadening access for children’s early learning and care, and workforce development for families to sustain thriving careers. This partnership with our Senators unleashes each individual’s potential in our community.”

DAY ONE Early Learning Community is a preschool in Poughkeepsie that serves low-income children and families with the mission of providing the best early learning opportunities in New York State, with affordable access for all children and families.