Port Washington Children’s Center Takes Students On Rock-Climbing Trip
Students Build Confidence, Practice Team Work on Memorable Adventure
PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK (AUGUST 2025)—The Port Washington Children’s Center (PWCC), a trusted cornerstone of local childcare for more than 48 years, recently took their Kidsport Summer Program students on a trip to Island Rock in Plainview for a rock-climbing experience. The trip built student confidence in a safe and controlled environment.
The Kidsport counselors served as models of bravery and gently encouraged even the most hesitant students from kindergarten through the fifth grade to overcome their fears and scale the rock wall. The students took their turn cheering on the counselors, convincing Camp Director Omar Irizarry to climb the wall himself, demonstrating how hands-on leadership and role modeling can make a real difference for the students. The day was full of energy, courage, and celebration as many children made a lifelong memory never having climbed a rock before.
The PWCC Kidsport Summer Program has weekly trips built into their schedule. This new reimagined structure was put into place last year by now-Executive Director Christine Paige and Program Director JeanLou Supplice in order to bring more variety, joy, and real-world experiences to summer programming. These weekly adventures have quickly become a highlight for both students and staff.
“At the Port Washington Children’s Center, it is vitally important to us all that students not only learn in the classroom, but also in the real-world,” said Executive Director Christine Paige. “These weekly trips serve as an opportunity for our Kidsport students to truly grow into the well-rounded individuals we pride ourselves in cultivating.”
“All of our Kidsport students, and counselors, exhibited immense amounts of courage, comradery, and growth on their rock-climbing adventure,” said PWCC Board President Vita Molis. “I am so proud of each of them and am glad that they created memories that will last a lifetime.”
For more information on the Port Washington Children’s Center and its outstanding programs, visit www.pwchildrenscenter.org. You can also keep up with the Center’s happenings on Instagram: @pwchildrenscenter #PWCC
Port Washington Children’s Center Awarded Open Licensing Status
Community Cornerstone Approved for Uninterrupted Service to the Port Washington Community
PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK (JULY 2025)—The Port Washington Children’s Center (PWCC), a trusted cornerstone of local childcare for more than 48 years, was recently awarded an open licensing status by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Open status confirms that the Children’s Center’s license with OCFS is active and in good standing.
PWCC Executive Director Christine Paige, Board President Vita Molis, and the entire PWCC Board have been working closely with OCFS and the Child Care Council of Nassau to ensure the Center meets the standards set forth by both licensing bodies. The open license status indicates that PWCC meets all health, safety, and regulatory requirements established by OCFS
“We are extremely thankful that the New York State Office of Children and Family Services has again set our licensing status to open,” said Ms. Paige. “All of us at the Port Washington Children’s Center have seen this licensing process as an opportunity to review and enhance how we deliver our services and programs to the children and families we serve. Over the past several months, we have taken a number of steps to strengthen our operations, including improved staff training and stronger communications policies and practices with our families. These actions have ensured greater consistency in our operations. As important, we believe these initiatives will have the added benefit of fostering a closer bond between the Center and our families.”
“The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, along with The Child Care Council of Nassau, have been an exceptional help throughout this licensing process,” said Ms. Molis. “Their encouragement and support have proven invaluable to us as we move forward into the Center’s next chapter.”
For more information on the Port Washington Children’s Center and its outstanding programs, visit www.pwchildrenscenter.org. You can also keep up with the Center’s happenings on Instagram: @pwchildrenscenter #PWCC
Port Washington Children’s Center Names Christine Paige Executive Director
Ms. Paige Brings More Than 17 Years of Experience To Position
PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK (JULY 2025)—The Port Washington Children’s Center (PWCC), a trusted cornerstone of local childcare for more than 48 years, recently named Christine Paige as the center’s Executive Director, retroactive to July 1. Ms. Paige has served as the interim Executive Director since February and brings more than 17 years of experience in childcare to the position.
Christine Paige began working at PWCC in May 2024 and was promoted to Program Director just six months later. During this time, she proved herself to be a dedicated leader, committed to nurturing children, supporting staff, and fostering a positive community for families. Prior to her time at PWCC, Ms. Paige spent 12 years as an elementary and special education teacher. In total, she brings more than 17 years of experience in early childhood education, camp, and school-age childcare. She brings to the center a wealth of knowledge in curriculum development, classroom management, individualized instruction, program coordination, staff supervision, and ensuring the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to her care.
“I am honored and excited to be chosen as Executive Director of the Port Washington Children’s Center,” Ms. Paige remarked. “In this role, I will work to strengthen our relationships with families through regular communication and events, while also building partnerships with local schools, libraries, businesses, and organizations. Through local outreach and by sharing our center’s success stories and our students’ achievements, I hope to enhance the visibility of all the incredible things happening here. Through this continued promotion and transparency, I aim to further earn the trust of the Port Washington community.”
“The Port Washington Children’s Center has always been shaped by strong, compassionate leadership, and Christine Paige embodies exactly that,” said PWCC Board President Vita Molis. “Since stepping into the interim role, Christine has led with clarity, calm, and care. The Board is fully confident she is the right person to guide us forward, and we’re incredibly proud to have her at the helm.”
For more information on the Port Washington Children’s Center and their outstanding programs, visit www.pwchildrenscenter.org. You can also keep up with the Center’s happenings on Instagram: @pwchildrenscenter #PWCC
