Westchester's Kathy Halas Honored with Statewide Leadership Award for Advancing Child Care Access

TROY, NY (06/12/2025) (readMedia)-- The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) presented its 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award to Kathy Halas of Westchester County at its Annual Meeting and Luncheon yesterday. Halas, who led the Child Care Council of Westchester as Executive Director for over 20 years before stepping down in December 2024, was recognized for her career-long commitment to

strengthening early childhood systems and expanding access for working families.

"Kathy Halas has been a tireless advocate, a visionary leader, and a powerful force for good in Westchester and across New York State," said ECLC Executive Director Meredith Chimento. "Her work has helped countless families to thrive through better access to high-quality child care."

Prior to her two decades at the Child Care Council of Westchester, Halas served as deputy director of the Supportive Housing Network, vice president of shelter operations at Westhab, and director of the St. Bernard's Center for Learning, a Head Start program operated by WESTcop. She began her career in developmental disabilities, community mental health, and gerontology.

The award was given during a celebration of statewide innovation in child care, bringing together policy leaders, advocates, and employers. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Executive Director Aaron Merchen delivered a keynote address highlighting the national significance of child care in solving workforce challenges. ECLC's Annual Meeting also honored Constellation, a major supporter of early childhood investment in Oswego County, with its Excellence in Business Award.

About ECLC

Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) is the coordinating agency for New York's network of Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCs). ECLC champions high-quality, affordable, accessible, and equitable child care and early education through training, innovative curricula and professional development, and advocacy. earlycareandlearning.org