Ossining Children's Center Almost Finished: Watch

OSSINING, NY — The Ossining Children's Center's new facility on State Street is almost finished, and Center officials are giving everyone a tour via YouTube.

It's been two years since the 125-year-old childcare organization announced its plans to consolidate and upgrade its operations. SEE: Ossining Children's Center Announces Plans for New Building.

"We're really excited," said Natalie Gorlin, the OCC board member conducting the video tour.

They're moving to The Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Building from their longtime facility on South Highland Avenue this month.

The 27,000-square-foot structure will help meet the growing demand for childcare programs, preschool, educational enrichment and services to families. The new 2.5-acre site, bounded by commercial properties, was acquired for $1.8 million and donated to OCC by a long-time benefactor. The OCC board raised more than $17 million for the project.

Designed by KG&D Architects of Mount Kisco, the building is designed to fit in with the adjacent "cottage" professional office buildings on State Street. The front building includes a wrap-around porch similar to the original building on the site. The balance of the school is two stories with a lower level that takes advantage of the sloping property. The building siting and playground configurations allow both the school and local community to enjoy the wonderful views of the Hudson River.

The story of Ossining Children's Center began more than a century ago as a response to the needs of working immigrant mothers. It is now a crucial resource for all families, providing nurturing and educational care for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Through the years, with events such as the the annual Dine-Around, the community has generously supported the OCC's mission to keep high quality childcare affordable for working families.

An important partner of Ossining's public schools, OCC is one of the few childcare and education centers to receive a four-star rating from Quality Stars NY, a division of the Early Childhood Advisory Council, the official agency that sets standards and evaluates child care programs for New York State.