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 with 500 hours of Early Childhood Education training and an Associate’s Degree in ECE. She began her undergraduate studies at SUNY New Paltz and brings over 17 years of experience to the classroom. Now in her seventh year as Head Teacher and tenth year with MECEC, she loves guiding the school’s youngest learners as they master new skills and discover their confidence.
Miss Loredana - Head Teacher & Co-Director
Loredana earned her Child Development Associate degree in 2021 and has been dedicated to early childhood education since 2015. She has been part of the MECEC community for over eight years and currently teaches in the Pre-K classroom. Guided by a child-led philosophy, she observes, listens, and supports each child’s natural curiosity—meeting them exactly where they are.
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 Iris
With ten years of preschool teaching experience, Iris is dedicated to nurturing young learners as they grow and explore. Married to her high school sweetheart and a mother of three, she brings warmth and enthusiasm to her work. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Iris incorporates nature-based, hands-on activities into her teaching. She believes early childhood is a truly magical stage of learning.