Mission
Founded in 2007, Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC), a small private not-for-profit preschool, is committed to providing children ages 2.9-5 a strong foundation for developing a love of learning. Offering half-day and full-day programs, children graduate from MECEC as confident learners with strong and affirming friendships, and emotional and cognitive tools that will serve them well in their learning years to come.
Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC) was founded to provide local families with access to a high-quality preschool program regardless of means. Founding donors were motivated by 50 years of research that demonstrated a high correlation between a quality preschool education and better outcomes across every major social, health, and economic dimension as tracked over five decades in the lives of their subjects.
MECEC, our largest local early education institution, directly strengthens the vitality of our small towns. It supports our current young families while also welcoming new families who together will enrich our diverse community and support our local economy.
FACULTY
Miss Kristen - Head Teacher & Co-Director
Kristen is a graduate of Arlington High School. She holds a certificate for 500 hours of Early Childhood Education training hours and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kristen began her undergraduate at SUNY New Paltz. With over 17 years of experience in early childhood, Kristen believes there is nothing more inspiring than to see the face of a child who has mastered a new skill or conquered a new challenge. Kristen teaches MECEC's youngest students and this is her seventh year as Head Teacher and tenth year as part of the MECEC team.
Miss Maria - Assistant Teacher
Maria attended Marymount Manhattan College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting and English. She has been working with children in varying capacities such as choirs, theater, summer camps, and many others since she was a teenager. Maria runs the MECEC afternoon program. This is her sixth year with MECEC.
Miss Loredana - Head Teacher & Co-Director
Loredana received her Child Development Associate degree in 2021. Her passion and dedication to Early Childhood teaching began in 2015. She has worked at MECEC for over 8 years. Loredana's teaching philosophy is child-led. "I watch and listen to what the children are seeking to explore and meet each child where they are." Loredana teaches in the Pre-K classroom.
Miss Helen - Assistant Teacher
Helen holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Becker Junior College, Becker, Mass., and Bachelor’s Degree in History from Suny New Paltz, New Paltz, N.Y. This is Helen's third year at MECEC.
Miss Iris
Iris has been teaching preschool for 10 years and absolutely loves helping young learners grow and explore the world around them. Iris is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have three wonderful kids who keep them busy and laughing. Being outside is one of Iris' favorite things, and she can not wait to bring that love of nature into her classroom with fun, hands-on learning activities. Iris believes that early childhood is a magical time for learning.