RHINEBECK, N.Y. - s4story -- Northern Dutchess Day Care Center (NDDCC), the longest-operating preschool and only nonprofit early childhood center in the Rhinebeck area, today announced the upcoming opening of its first-ever infant care program, marking a major milestone in the center's more than 50-year history.

The program will open in early April 2026 with space for eight infants. Families can expect the same high-quality, nurturing environment that has defined NDDCC for decades, grounded in nature-based learning.

At the heart of this expansion is NDDCC Executive Director Priscilla Gideon, whose leadership has guided the organization through two major transitions: achieving full operational independence in July 2025, and now expanding to meet a critical community need for high-quality infant care.

"As a local resident for the past 38 years, community connections run deep for me," said Gideon. "Having raised my four children in Rhinebeck, my commitment to this community drove me to keep NDDCC open, independent, and flourishing is what inspires this next step."

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NDDCC's infant program expansion was supported in part by the Frost Memorial Fund, whose early investment helped bring the new infant classroom from concept to reality.

With childcare slots in such critically short supply, NDDCC is also working with Senator Michelle Hinchey to pursue funding options aimed at supporting long-term program sustainability and stability.

"Expanding access to affordable, quality child care in our region is a top priority, and Northern Dutchess Day Care is doing incredible work to fulfill that vital need for working parents," said Senator Michelle Hinchey. "I'm glad to work with NDDCC to find solutions that will help them expand their services locally and make child care available to more families across our community."

NDDCC now turns to the community to help complete the final phase of its infant classroom expansion. While construction and core infrastructure are finalized, critical furnishings—such as cribs, mattresses, and high chairs—must be funded and secured in the weeks ahead. These essential items represent the final investment needed to prepare the room for its youngest learners.

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"Now, we're inviting our community to help us finish strong," said Gideon. "By sponsoring a crib or making a donation, you're directly supporting a safe, nurturing start for local infants and their families."

To ensure the classroom is fully furnished in time for its April opening, donors can contribute to the infant classroom with cash donations (https://www.nddcc.org/donate) or by visiting NDDCC's gifting registry (https://www.dreamlist.com/for/northerndutchess), where specific infant items like toys and furniture can be purchased.

"As a nonprofit, donations are essential," Gideon explained. "We couldn't have made it this far in the expansion without the generosity of local foundations, businesses, and community members. This is a collective effort; every contribution matters."