The Early Education Center has been empowering children to learn and grow since 1988. Our philosophy is strongly rooted in the well-established principles of developmental play. Employing age appropriate developmental play creates an environment where children are free to laugh and learn while building their self confidence. Our approach ensures that children are exposed to a wide variety of learning opportunities and experiences.
Empowering Children to Learn and Grow Since 1988
We believe every child is unique and special, each with individual interests and needs, and our teachers are experienced with identifying and utilizing these attributes to maximize educational opportunities as they occur. Children are cared for in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, allowing them to play and learn at their own pace. Children are encouraged to explore and manipulate their learning environment but are never forced to participate in any activity. This holistic, child-centered approach to development has been proven throughout the years.
Fostering a Literature-Based Approach
Exposing children to books at an early age is imperative to speech, language and cognitive development. That is why we focus on building early literacy skills with students of all ages – from our youngest infants to our graduating students five years of age.
“The Early Education Center has been a wonderful experience for us- especially for my son. He comes home happy every day because his teachers really know what makes him special and they know how to work with his unique personality! I could not ask for a better day care program.”
-SB from Poughkeepsie, NY; Parent
Special Needs Preschool in Hudson Valley
Dedicated in 2007, the Panichi Center was substantially funded by the Panichi family, which owns and operates Royal Carting. In the early 2000s, Evelyn Constantino, the daughter of Emil and Emily Panichi, recognized the need to expand the then-Saint Francis Hospital special needs preschool, moving it from worn-down trailers parked on a vacant parcel and into a clean and modern 8,500 square-foot space. Evelyn rallied her family for major initial financial support, later helped endow the future of the Center in 2010, and continues to be personally involved in its operations to this day – down to organizing a partnership with the nearby Dutchess Day School to provide artwork for the Center’s walls.
Our Mission
All who enter through our doors are respected and nurtured in an enriching, supportive environment by professional, experienced caregivers working together for the future of our children.
Playing with Purpose Fund
The MidHudson Regional Early Education Centers located in Hyde Park (a preschool serving primarily children with special needs) and Poughkeepsie (a daycare located on the hospital’s main campus and the Martha Lawrence Early Education Center on Spackenkill Road) are excited to announce that we will be upgrading the playground equipment at each facility to create a more dynamic, entertaining, and stimulating experience for our students.
Can we count on you to help us reach our goal? Your generosity will make a big difference in the way our children learn and grow.
Please support our Playing with Purpose Fund with a generous gift. Your donation will ensure that the laughter, learning, and discovery continues for years to come.