Regarding a recent article in the Long Island Press about the Port Washington Children’s Center (PWCC), we’d like to clarify the facts surrounding our licensure and the infractions noted by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the continued operation of the PWCC.

For more than 48 years, the PWCC has been a proud and trusted member of this community, a non-profit focused on serving children with two working parents. Caring for children is a privilege we never take lightly. We are taking decisive steps to correct the issues around OCFS compliance and reinforce the high standards all children deserve.

For background, following an inspection in March of this year, OCFS identified areas of regulatory non-compliance—some involving a single, isolated incident. We want to emphasize that any infraction, no matter how minor, is unacceptable to us, especially when it comes to the care of young children. We responded immediately and proactively, working closely with OCFS to implement all necessary corrective actions to ensure that such issues do not arise again. We are confident our efforts will fully satisfy OCFS requirements, and our licensure will continue without interruption. A return to full OCFS compliance should occur within the next 30-60 days. In the interim the PWCC is fully licensed and will continue to operate and provide trusted childcare.

We have made recent changes with safety and consistency in mind. A critical part of this corrective process includes enhanced training for our staff, with those trainings are already scheduled. We are committed to strengthening the safety, well-being, and security of the children entrusted to our care, and to providing high-quality childcare for years to come.

Christine Paige
Interim Executive Director
The Port Washington Children’s Center