Nuestros Ni?os Day Care Center

Nuestros Ni?os is honored to be part of the 54th Annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Inc. Conference on February 15th! Our Executive Director, Ingrid M. Chungata, will take the stage as a panelist, championing equitable solutions in early childhood education alongside our sponsors, Assemblymembers George Alvarez & Manny De Los Santos. Moderated by Victor Pichardo Jr., this panel brings together a diverse group of experts, including Laura Walsh, Literacy in Community (LINC) - Kari Kurjiaka, Reach Out and Read - Naomi Pe?a, Literacy Academy Collective - and Reyes Claudio, Brilla Schools, all dedicated to shaping a future where literacy is a right, not a privilege. Key Topics of Discussion: ?? The Science of Reading & Parent Engagement ?? Early Intervention for Developmental Delays ?? Literacy as a Civil Right At Nuestros Ni?os, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation in literacy and learning. Join us as we advocate for change, empower families, and shape the future of early childhood education. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LiteracyForAll #Advocacy #NuestrosNi?os #ParentEngagement #EducationEquity #FutureLeaders

STRONGER TOGETHER! ????? Today, we stood on the steps of City Hall, united in one powerful voice, demanding that Mayor Eric Adams hear our plea: KEEP OUR DAYCARES OPEN! ?????? Affordable childcare is not a privilege—it’s a necessity for Williamsburg families! Despite the threat of rain and snow, parents, community leaders, elected officials, and supporters SHOWED UP and SHOWED OUT! ????? Our numbers were so strong we reached capacity—proof that this fight is bigger than us. It’s about our children. Our future. Nuestros Ni?os is FAMILY, and we will not back down! 50+ years of service, and we are NOT stopping now. The fight continues. The community stands strong. We WILL be heard! #SaveNuestrosNi?os #FundChildcare #CommunityPower #WeWontBackDown

Join us this Thursday, February 6th, at 3 PM on the steps of City Hall for a rally to save our daycare! Our children and families need us to unite for their right to quality early childhood education.

Advocating for Our Children, Families, and Community Nuestros Ni?os, has been a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community (Los Sures) since 1973. For over 50 years, we have been committed to providing high-quality early childhood education, championing the rights of working families, immigrants, and historically underserved communities. Through our fully funded DOE programs and our Family Child Care Network, we have ensured that children from birth to five receive the education, care, and support they need to thrive. However, today we write with deep concern and urgency. On January 14, 2025, we learned—through our Board Chair, Ramon Peguero.—that Nuestros Ni?os Site I, the heart of our organization and our home for over five decades, would not be listed on the MySchool Portal for families enrolling the next day. This devastating news was unexpected, with no prior notice from the Department of Education (DOE). When we requested answers, we were told that our lease would not be renewed due to alleged under-enrollment, an oversaturation of 0-5 Extended Day seats in the district, and an inability to meet the landlord’s rent demands. Yet, 96 students are actively enrolled and attending - numbers that contradict the rationale given. To this day, the DOE has not provided any written explanation. This process has lacked transparency, accountability, and consideration for the families and educators affected. Parents were promised individualized support to find alternative placements, yet their first-choice school—Nuestros Ni?os, a place where some of them once attended, where their older children are enrolled, and where their families have built lasting connections—was no longer an option. The closure of Nuestros Ni?os, represents more than just the loss of a school; it is the dismantling of a trusted community institution that has empowered generations. The ripple effects of this decision extend beyond our classrooms—they affect the livelihoods of our teachers and staff, the stability of working families, and the broader landscape of early childhood education in our city. In a City of Yes, where early childhood education is recognized as a pillar of opportunity, the decision to close one of New York City’s model early childhood programs is both shortsighted and harmful. A Call to Action: We Need Your Support! ?? Every repost helps amplify our message and brings us one step closer to ensuring a bright future for the children and families we serve. Thank you for being a part of OUR movement! https://lnkd.in/gt9wue4J https://lnkd.in/gYj2KYqs

#GivingTuesday, let’s build a brighter future together! At Nuestros Ni?o's, we’re embracing the?Reggio Emilia Approach—a philosophy that nurtures creativity, exploration, and collaboration in children while empowering our teachers to grow as lifelong learners. Your generosity today will directly support: Innovative classroom materials?that inspire curiosity and imagination. Professional development for our teachers?to bring the Reggio philosophy to life. Enrichment opportunities?that enhance every child’s learning journey. Every dollar you give makes a difference! Help us reimagine early childhood education and invest in the future of our children and educators. ? Donate now!?Together, we can make magic happen.? https://lnkd.in/eBCyMjAr #GivingTuesday #ReggioEmilia #NuestrosNi?os #SupportEducation #InvestInOurChildren #InspiringTeachers

As we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Nuestros Ni?os, we are thrilled to honor Mrs. Arlenee Lopez-Ferguson, a new champion of our organization who has already made a tremendous impact. Although she is a recent supporter, Arlenee has shown unwavering commitment to helping us provide our children and families with the tools they need to succeed. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, Arlenee understands the challenges our communities face. Her remarkable journey from those roots to becoming a Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer in the financial services sector speaks to her strength, determination, and passion for breaking barriers. What makes Arlenee so special to Nuestros Ni?os is not just her professional success, but her dedication to giving back. When we needed support to achieve our goals, she was one of the first to step forward, offering her expertise and resources without hesitation. Arlenee has been a critical ally in advancing our mission to serve children and families in need. In addition to her industry leadership, Arlenee is committed to mentoring young women from underserved and underrepresented communities, empowering them to succeed in fields like finance, technology, law, and compliance. Through her work, she not only breaks barriers but also creates pathways for others to follow. Arlenee Lopez - Ferguson

Nuestros Ni?os is honored to recognize Mrs. Sonia Gulardo for her remarkable leadership and dedication, serving New York City communities for over four decades. Mrs. Gulardo has worked closely with Nuestros Ni?os alongside John Mulhern and our beloved late Miriam Cruz. Her long-standing collaboration with Beginning with Children has created a legacy where many of our children have successfully transitioned to the school. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Sonia moved to New York City with her parents and younger sister, Mary, at the age of five. Her family settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she attended Our Lady of Sorrows elementary school and Cathedral High School. Sonia went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Bilingual Education from Hunter College of the City University of New York. In addition to her professional achievements, Sonia has been a steadfast supporter of Nuestros Ni?os. During one of our most challenging moments—when we faced the threat of losing our beloved home of more than 30 years—Sonia stood with us. She was instrumental in building a coalition of community members to protest and fight for the preservation of our space, which had provided the first school experience for thousands of children in the Southside community. Her unwavering support in times of need has been a source of strength for Nuestros Ni?os, and we are deeply honored to recognize Sonia with the Miriam Cruz Award on Educational Leadership. sonia gulardo, BEGINNING WITH CHILDREN FOUNDATION INC Beginning with Children

As we celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Nuestros Ni?os, we are honored to recognize?Mrs. Rossy Matos-Miranda?with the?Marilyn Pabon Educational Excellence Award. For over two decades, Rossy has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicating her life to working with our families and creating a safe, nurturing space for the older siblings of our children through after-school programs. Born in the Dominican Republic, Rossy moved to New York City as a young woman, where she attended and graduated from Eastern District High School in Brooklyn. After completing her education, Rossy began her long-standing career in community service, particularly through her work with?El Puente, a local organization dedicated to youth development, community health, and social justice. There, she played a pivotal role in organizing after-school programs that offered children not just a place to learn, but a space to feel safe and supported. Her commitment to educational success and her passion for serving others have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and families in Williamsburg. Rossy's work with?El Puente?and beyond has always centered on ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment. Today, as we honor her legacy with this award, we celebrate not only her professional achievements but also her role as a true community leader and a lifelong champion for education. We are immensely grateful for Rossy's continued dedication to empowering our youth, and we are proud to recognize her contributions with the?Marilyn Pabon Educational Excellence Award. Rossy Matos

?? A Heartfelt Thank You! ?? We are overwhelmed with gratitude to all of our incredible Friends of Nuestros Ni?os 51st Anniversary Gala sponsors. Work ED & 42 Hotel Williamsburg Together, we are shaping bright futures - to many more years of partnership and impact! ?? #NuestrosNi?osGala #51YearsStrong #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ThankYou

Meet our Community Partner Honoree for the 51st Anniversary Celebration Gala: Mr. Mark Sadek, Vice President of our local Dime branch. We are proud to recognize Mr. Sadek for his outstanding support and commitment to Nuestros Ni?os. His partnership has gone above and beyond, playing a crucial role in our success. Mr. Sadek’s leadership and commitment exemplify what it means to be a true community partner, and we are honored to celebrate his contributions to Nuestros Ni?os at this milestone event. His collaboration and unwavering support continue to strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of services we provide to the families and children we serve. Dime Community Bank