Think Differently: Let’s Build the Pre-K Campus Our Children Deserve

Right now, Putnam County has an opportunity to do something extraordinary for our children: to build a Think Differently Pre-K Campus that meets the needs of all learners, especially those with developmental or intellectual disabilities. But only if we set aside politics and come together with purpose.

The Think Differently initiative began in Dutchess County in 2015 as a call for inclusion—for every county department, local business, and community program to truly think differently about how they support individuals with disabilities. Today, counties across New York are using this model to bring real change to families who, for too long, have felt left behind.

Here in Putnam, that change could take the form of a specialized, inclusive early childhood campus—designed not just to serve children with special needs, but to bring them together with their peers in a supportive, welcoming environment. This campus would be a first-of-its-kind in the county: purpose-built with sensory spaces, inclusive classrooms, and collaborative supports between educators, therapists, and families.

As someone with a professional background in special education and behavior analysis, I’ve spent years supporting families through the challenges of early intervention, classroom inclusion, and individualized care. I’ve trained educators, worked with children of all abilities, and helped parents navigate a system that often seems designed to overwhelm. What I’ve learned is simple: early childhood is everything.

By the time a child turns five, their brain is more than 90% developed. If we wait to support children until elementary school, we’re already behind. Early intervention—especially in a rich, inclusive environment—gives every child their best shot at long-term success.

And it helps everyone. When we design programs for those who need the most support, all students benefit. Neurotypical children learn empathy, teachers gain better tools, and families build stronger connections. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s smart policy, and I applaud County Executive Kevin Byrne for making this a priority with his full support.

But here’s the truth: a vision this important can’t succeed if it becomes a political football. We need our County Executive, our Legislature, and our community leaders to work together.

Recently this project came under question in yet another divide between the County Legislature and the County Executive. How does an initiative of this scale and importance get this far down the road with these questions being raised NOW?

Every time something of importance needs to be done, residents should not have to worry if it will get delayed and forgotten because our county government refuses to work together throughout each step of the process.

This is not a party issue. The County Executive and eight of the nine legislators are all in the same party, and yet these issues persist.

I’m calling on our local government to rise to this moment. Let’s stop delaying. Let’s stop dividing. Let’s move this project forward with the urgency it deserves. I will be asking these questions, and gathering more information, in the weeks to come to understand how we got here.

Putnam County, let’s think differently. And more importantly, let’s act accordingly.

Brett Yarris is a candidate for Putnam County Legislature, District 5. A former special education professional, he is the founder of the For The People Party, focused on community-first solutions and putting people before politics.