MKCCC on the front line

MKCCC on the front line: While state and local governments are asking restaurants, theaters and schools to shut down to promote social distancing to lower the curve of the spread of the novel coronavirus – Westchester County has asked the Mount Kisco Childcare Center to stay on the front line and remain open. Why? Because they care for many of the children of the parents who work in Mt. Kisco’s hospitals and medical centers. As well as the parents who work in Mt. Kisco’s grocery stores and bodegas.

We received this note from Dawn Meyerski, MKCCC’s Executive Director and thought that we would share it with our readers. It’s an enlightening profile of the different ways members of our community are affecting and are asked to respond to the public health crisis we all face. DONATE HERE!

Dear Friends of MKCCC,

Things seem to be changing faster than the ink can dry on the paper! I do want to take a moment to check in with you all and let you know how we are doing at Mount Kisco Child Care Center.

I am happy to tell you that we have had no reported cases of the virus in the Center. We are still open and operating, and the staff has been amazing about coming to work each day. While the number of children attending has been less than usual, all parents have been grateful for our service.

Despite all the messages regarding social distancing, the County is asking that child care centers remain open particularly for health care workers and first responders. We have many parents who work at the medical group and other medical practices that require them to be at work. We also have parents who work in the grocery stores and others who provide essential services, and they count on us to continue to provide child care for them to work.

We have done many things to adapt to this “new normal” and are working hard to keep the building clean and safe. We have hired ARCO cleaners to do a deep clean and sanitizing of the entire building, so the Center will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.

Volunteer programs and special programs have been put on hold. Today we did music remotely using ZOOM technology. We are looking into increasing the bandwidth at the Center so we can meet the needs of all the school age children who will be “distance learning” at the Center during the upcoming days and weeks. My Second Home has closed their program for an undetermined amount of time. This is a relief because seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations. We were working hard to make sure that children and seniors had absolutely no contact. Not so easy because they love each other so much, but we were very strict.

We will continue to be here as long as we can to meet the needs of the children and families who need us. Of course, we are worrying about how we will manage through all of this financially. Members of the Finance Committee, Steve Mustacchi, Director of Finance, and I meet regularly to keep our finger on the pulse of all that is going on. Like everyone else, we are uncertain about what the future will bring, but I am hoping that we will be able to ride out this storm.

What I know for sure is that I am so proud to be part of this very amazing MKCCC family and a wonderful community of people who care so much about their neighbors. The parents, the staff and The Board of Directors have all pulled together to do what is in the best interest of the Center and the children and families we serve. Everyone has been willing to help in any way that they can. Community members have reached out to help provide food and essentials for our families.

Fred Rogers said, “when things feel scary, look for the helpers” I feel so lucky to be in a community filled with so many helpers.

Dawn Meyerski

Executive Director, Mount Kisco Child Care Center

About the Mt. Kisco Child Care Center

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) is a not-for-profit child care organization. It was established in 1971 after a study by the Village of Mt. Kisco and Interfaith Council of Mt. Kisco. The Center opened its doors in 1971 to 25 three- and four-year old children in rented classroom spaces. Today, the Center cares for over 145 children, ages three months to twelve years of age, throughout the year.

They now have a modern, state-of-the-art facility, built in 2002. With over 20,000 square feet of living space, the Center features growth and learning opportunities for every child in a cozy setting with the warmth and security of home. In addition their 7,500 square feet of outdoor play space is perfect for everything from picnics to gardening. My Second Home, a Family Services of Westchester program for local seniors is located within the Center.

MKCCC’s Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening Fundraiser

For the past fifteen years, What To Do has been covering MKCCC’s annual Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening fundraiser. In recent years it has been held at Mt. Kisco’s Ivanna Farms. The event offers tastings from the best local eateries plus music & crafts beer. Last year these restaurants participated: Crabtree’s Kittle House, Blue Dolphin, Le Jardin du Roi, Lexington Square Cafe, Village Social, Yirba Cafe, Stone Fire, Lalibela, La Tulipe, Exit 4 Food Hall, Little Drunken Chef and more.

The event also honors local community leaders. Last year it honored MKCCC Board members Linda and Robert Heath and Community Advocate and Founder of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Dawn Greenberg.