Orange County Executive Neuhaus Unveils Early Childhood Connections to Guide Families Through Early Childhood Services

County Executive Neuhaus is pleased to announce the launch of Early Childhood Connections, a free service designed to help families, caregivers, and providers navigate the wide range of early childhood resources available throughout the County.

This initiative was developed through the work of the Orange County Infant and Early Childhood Coalition, in collaboration with the Orange County Health Department, Orange County Department of Mental Health, and the Orange County Youth Bureau. Early Childhood Connections ensure that families with young children can more easily access the services and support they need.

“When families have concerns about their child’s development, they deserve clear answers and compassionate support,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “Early Childhood Connections provides a trusted place to turn, one that helps families understand their options and connect to services that support and strengthen children and families across Orange County.”

The phone line provides individualized guidance, resource navigation, and personalized support to families seeking assistance with developmental, behavioral, early learning, or family-support needs. Early Childhood Connections is not a crisis line; rather, it is a navigation and resource support service that helps families understand what services exist, how to access them, and how to connect with the right providers.

Families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals can call 845-615-3613 or email [email protected] to receive:

• Assistance navigating early childhood programs and community resources
• Support in understanding available developmental, behavioral, and family services
• Help connecting to screenings, early intervention, and early learning supports
• Guidance on next steps when concerns arise about a child’s development
• Information for providers seeking resources for the families they serve

Early Childhood Connections was created to ensure that no family feels alone or overwhelmed when trying to access services for their young children. By offering warm, knowledgeable, and personalized support, the program strengthens the network of care for Orange County’s youngest residents.

“The Orange County Youth Bureau has over 48 years of expertise in promoting Positive Youth Development. Part of that experience includes providing Resource and Referral assistance for children, youth, and families,” shared Orange County Youth Bureau Executive Director Rachel Wilson. “We are especially excited to be a part of this new initiative to better assist families with young children access the information and services they need while providing extra support throughout the process.”

For a brochure with additional information about Resources for Children Ages 0-5 and Families/Caregivers please visit https://www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/31409/Family-Infant-and-Early-Childhood-Brochure?bidId=.

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media: 

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC 

Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don’t miss the newest episode of NeuCast, featuring Fidanza Family Properties, now streaming OrangeCountyGov.com on the County Executive page.

Free Fishing Days 2026

Free Fishing Days for 2026 have been announced, with the first days being Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, 2026. Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!)

2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule

• February 14-15 (President's Day Weekend)
• June 27-28
• September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

For more information, please visit the DEC website here: http://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/learn-to-fish

All Offices Closed Monday, February 16th in Observance of Presidents' Day

All Offices Closed Monday, February 16th in Observance of Presidents' Day

Wednesday February 11 Senior Center will be closed

Wednesday February 11 Senior Center will be closed.

20 Owen Drive Notice of Public Hearing

20 Owen Drive Notice of Public Hearing.

Canvas and Cocoa

Canvas and Cocoa

Updated Blood Drive Info

Updated Blood Drive Info

Fall in Love with Your Party by Valentine's Day!

The Orange County Board of Elections reminds all registered voters that Saturday, February 14th, is the deadline to change your party enrollment before the 2026 Primary Election on June 23rd. 

Primary elections are a way for political parties to choose who will be their candidates on the general election ballot in November. New York State has closed primaries, meaning that to vote in a party’s primary election, you must be an enrolled member of that party. 

Enrollment change requests must be received by the Board of Elections by February 14th to be effective for the June Primary. Any enrollment changes received after that will take effect seven days after the June Primary. The Orange County Board of Elections office will be open Saturday, February 14th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to receive any last-minute enrollment changes. 

You can change your enrollment by submitting a new voter registration form to the Board of Elections using any of the following methods: 

• • Use the NYS Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration portal – learn more at elections.ny.gov. Application deadline is 11:59 PM on February 14th. 
• • Use the MyDMV customer portal – learn more at dmv.ny.gov. The application deadline if using the DMV portal is 1:59 PM on Friday, February 13th. 
• • Submit a paper form to our office in person or by mail to: 

Orange County Board of Elections 

75 Webster Ave  
PO Box 30  
Goshen, NY 10924 

Note that a mailed application must still be received by the Board of Elections by February 14th to be effective before the primary, so personal delivery is the safer option. Paper forms are available at your local post office, municipal building, or over the counter at the Board of Elections. Call us at 845-360-6500 if you need a form mailed to you or have any other questions. 

Not sure about your voter registration or enrollment status? Look it up at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

Town Board Meeting Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Monroe Town Hall 1465 Orange Tpke., Monroe)

Please click here to view the Agenda.

Village of Monroe: Mayor's Message: Public Service Announcement

The Village of Monroe will be entering into an agreement with the Town of Monroe to utilize space next door to 7 Stage Road (11 Stage Road). This space will provide a safe, warm, and well-lit location for individuals attending court sessions or Village events when seating capacity in Village Hall cannot accommodate additional attendees. We anticipate this agreement to be completed very shortly, and I will keep everyone apprised of all steps moving forward.

Additionally, this past year, the Village has purchased property within the Village of Monroe for the future construction of a new Village Hall. This facility will be designed to meet both the Village’s operational needs and the needs of the court for many years to come.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Neil Dwyer
Mayor