Business Details
24 Years
experience
Safe & Enriching Early Childhood Education for Backstretch Families
At Belmont Child Care Association, we believe transformative change begins in a child's earliest years. Since 2002, we have provided a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment for children of backstretch workers at New York's premier Thoroughbred racing facilities, including Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by families working before traditional daycare hours, we offer early education programs starting at 5:00 AM, ensuring children receive structured care while their parents contribute to the racing industry. Our STEAM-based curriculum fosters holistic development, preparing children for elementary school through engaging, play-centered learning. We collaborate with Bright Horizons to deliver high-quality educational programming and partner with the Department of Social Services to ensure affordability through sliding-scale subsidies.Our Meaningful Assessment and Planning Process (MAPP) tracks individual progress through personalized developmental goals, providing transparent communication with families. Over 1,000 children have graduated from our programs since inception, supported by $10 million in funding that covers tuition gaps for low-income families. We maintain strict operational accountability through third-party evaluations and donor transparency, having earned recognition including the Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award. Positioned at the intersection of social equity and early childhood development, we remain committed to breaking cycles of poverty through educational access and family support.
Services
Early Childhood Education
STEAM Curriculum Programs
After-School Care
Family Support Services
Developmental Assessments
Tuition Assistance Programs
Parent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Specializing in early childhood care for backstretch worker families since 2002
- Offers 5AM start times to accommodate racing industry work schedules
- STEAM-based curriculum developed with Bright Horizons professionals
- Uses MAPP assessment system for individualized developmental tracking
- Maintains 98% DSS subsidy compliance and transparent tuition assistance
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our early childhood education programs serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, focusing on STEAM-based learning through structured activities and play-based exploration. Partnerships with Bright Horizons ensure professionally developed curricula that foster cognitive, social, and emotional development. The program operates 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily, accommodating the unique schedules of backstretch workers while preparing children for elementary school success.
Developmental Assessments
We implement the Meaningful Assessment and Planning Process (MAPP) to track individual progress through 1-9 proficiency scales across social, emotional, and physical domains. Daily observations inform personalized learning goals documented in electronic portfolios, with progress reports shared with families. This data-driven approach ensures timely interventions and measurable academic readiness, maintaining detailed records from enrollment through graduation.
Financial Assistance
Recognizing economic challenges faced by our families, we coordinate Department of Social Services subsidies covering most tuition costs. BCCA directly funds remaining balances through charitable donations, ensuring accessibility regardless of income level. Over 98% of enrolled families receive some form of assistance, with payment structures adjusted through a transparent sliding scale that prioritizes those earning below poverty thresholds.
Family Support Services
Beyond childcare, we offer family support including parenting workshops, health screenings, and community resource connections. Regular communication through assessment reports and progress meetings strengthens home-school partnerships. Our staff provides guidance navigating social services while promoting parental involvement in children's educational development through structured engagement opportunities and home activity suggestions.
After-School Care
For children beyond traditional preschool age, our after-school programs provide homework assistance, enrichment activities, and supervised recreation until 1:00 PM. Certified educators facilitate STEAM-based projects and literacy initiatives aligned with school curricula. Nutritious meals are provided daily, with transportation options from local schools ensuring accessibility for working parents maintaining early morning racing schedules.
People
Joanne K. Adams
Executive Director
Joanne K. Adams leads BCCA with 25+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, focusing on early childhood equity for underserved populations. She has secured $10M+ in funding while expanding program access across New York's racing communities, maintaining strong partnerships with both social service agencies and the Thoroughbred industry.
Questions
What ages does BCCA serve?
We serve children from 6 weeks old through pre-kindergarten, with after-school care available for elementary school students.
What are your operating hours?
Anna House operates Monday-Sunday 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Administrative offices are open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Do you provide meals for children?
Yes, we offer nutritious breakfast and lunch options daily following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines.
How do you handle developmental concerns?
Our MAPP assessment system tracks progress biweekly, with individualized learning plans and supplemental resources provided for children needing additional support.
Can I volunteer at BCCA?
Yes, we welcome volunteers with skills in education, wellness activities, or bilingual support. Contact us through our website for application details.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Jennifer
Nov 25, 2021
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Used to be great place to enjoy the races but since construction underway, it's not enjoyable at all. Place doesn't look the same anymore, tough to get to as well with all the detours around the area. I won't be going again until construction is done.
Terrell Jordan
Nov 22, 2021
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Its a beautiful new stadium. Tonight was Harry Styles and oh boy did he brig the prettiest out for the concert. Tomorrow is Monday Night Raw
Stephanie Gika
Nov 01, 2021
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Surprisingly fun for kids! An easy Saturday afternoon at the track. My two year old is still talking about the horse race and the popcorn. Husband loved the adult activities and I loved the family doing something fun together.
J. Droid Dennis
Nov 01, 2021
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Always a pleasure even when I am only making my donation to the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund! Super Saturdays are loaded with great Stakes races. Halloween weekend is going to be full of great Stakes races both days. And fun things for the kids also. Plan a trip!
Kevin Carney
Oct 12, 2021
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My beloved Belmont Park. What have they done to you? My first visit since 2019 and oh how different it is. Didn't realize that they took about a third of the backyard area to accommodate the new arena. The biggest thing missing are the trees. No shade anymore. The track and the horses are still spectacular. But the facility itself? It's a shame to see this place in such decline.
Thomas H.
Aug 31, 2019
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The Belmont stakes was a great experience and the park itself was clean, beautiful, and looked quite historical. Lots of food and drink options and the views were wonderful. I would definite suggest this place to any equestrian buff and horse racing enthusiast.
