Kaplan is a tireless advocate for quality early childhood education and care. Recognizing the need for quality preschool services with full-day programs for young children, Natalie founded Carriage House Children’s Center in 1974. At Carriage House, Kaplan created an unparalleled early childhood program that inspired and elevated childcare in the area. A visionary in her field, many of Natalie Kaplan’s early goals are taken for granted today.  Her innovations, including expanded operating hours to meet family work schedules, hiring teachers with specialized credentials, and maintaining a high teacher-to-child ratio, are now standard.