RCI first began child care services at Bethany Church in 1980, and was located in the former Little Plains School building in Huntington, NY, from 1983 to 2001. When we needed to relocate, the community and government support was extraordinary. We raised over $1M in grants and donations and qualified for a Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency bond-financed mortgage to build our beautiful, state-of-the art facility at the exact location where School Districts # 1, 6, and 13 meet. In early 2001 we moved into our new facility, licensed for 197 children, ages two months to ten years.

During its long history, and at all its sites, Rainbow Chimes has fulfilled its agency mission to nearly 5,000 children and their families. RCI’s programs, directors, staff, and parents have been recognized with many notable service, program, and community awards, including Suffolk County’s Child Care Center of the Year; “Women Who Make a Difference”; the Barbara Bush Award for Literacy (shared); and the renowned High/Scope Curricula endorsement. The Executive Director was selected as one of a national “Panel of 300 Directors“, solicited for areas of expertise for the “Child Care Information Exchange” publication.

In 2000, the Child Care Council of Suffolk honored Rainbow Chimes and its directors twice, first with recognition for 20 years of Community Service, and then with the Dianne Grayson-Wallace Advocacy & Leadership Award. In September 2000, Governor Pataki chose Rainbow Chimes as the site to sign the landmark Quality Child Care Protection Act. Even Rainbow Chimes’ parent leaders have been awarded recognition for their advocacy efforts on behalf of children.

Our Huntington and Dix Hills sites were among the first early childhood programs in Suffolk County accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This prestigious honor is awarded to only 7% of programs nationwide that can demonstrate exacting quality standards. Our professional staff is made up of teachers, nurses and trained early childhood personnel. In fact, several of our graduates have chosen to begin their teaching careers with us!