Child Care Council of Westchester

Westchester parents — and youngsters — have a staunch ally in Kathy Halas. As executive director of Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW), Halas and her 40-person team advocate for parents and their little ones, connecting them with care and education options.

“High-quality early-childhood programs stimulate and reinforce the very growth of the brain,” Halas says. “They establish the foundation for both cognition and character that will likely last a lifetime.”

CCCW is also a resource for childcare professionals across the county, offering training and improvement services. CCCW serves local businesses, too, helping implement childcare benefits that help working parents be present and productive — and boost the bottom line. 

“Child care and business are closely linked,” Halas says. “In a recent survey of Westchester employers, we learned that 75 percent recognize that childcare issues affect productivity and attendance.” As a result, CCCW works to build not only strong families but also a stronger Westchester.

Fielding calls from about 2,500 Westchester parents each year, the Scarsdale-based nonprofit is bustling yet able to remain laser-focused on its mission: In 2016, 92.5 percent of the Council’s expenses went to programs, with less than 8 percent routed to operating expenses. 

Meanwhile, Halas gives back in other ways, too, lending expertise and guidance to like-minded organizations, including the Westchester Women’s Agenda and the Westchester County Families Task Force.