Dr. Joyce James Hucey has dedicated her life to helping young children and their families thrive. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Bronx Day Care Center, Inc. (NEBDCC)-a leading Early Childhood Education Agency with five locations across the North Bronx-Dr. Hucey has spent decades guiding parents, teachers, and caregivers through the rewarding yet often challenging journey of early childhood and special education.Her deep compassion for families raising children with special needs inspired her to write Embracing the Journey: A Guide for Parents of Preschool Children with Special Needs. In this book, Dr. Hucey draws upon a lifetime of experience to offer encouragement, understanding, and practical guidance to parents navigating the complex world of early intervention, advocacy, and self-care.Dr. Hucey's tenure with NEBDCC began in 1975 when she accepted the position of Executive Director at the Susan E. Wagner Day Care Center-then a single-site program serving just 75 children. With vision and determination, she transformed the agency into a network of inclusive early childhood centers that now serve approximately 500 children and their families. Under her leadership, NEBDCC offers a wide range of programs including Universal Pre-K, Special Education, Funded Daycare, Food & Nutrition, and Family Counseling-each designed to nurture the whole child and strengthen the family unit.Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Hucey's passion for education began early. After graduating from high school and Shortwood Teachers' College, she migrated to the United States to continue her academic journey, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Lehman College, a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education, and both a Master's and Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership from Columbia University, where she also earned certification in Not-for-Profit Management.Her leadership extends beyond her own organization. Dr. Hucey has served as:Past Board Chairperson of Mind Builders Creative Arts Center, an acclaimed nonprofit providing dance, music, drama, and fine arts education to children and families.Chairperson of Child Care Inc. / Center for Children's Initiatives (no longer operating), a nationally recognized organization that championed quality care and education for children from birth to school age.Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Hucey has been a steadfast advocate for equity, inclusion, and excellence in early childhood education. Her visionary leadership and mentorship have touched thousands of children, families, and educators-each one a testament to her enduring belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment.