Proposed federal changes prompt uncertainty at Springfield Head Start Updated: Sep. 06, 2026, 6:04 a.m. | |Published: Sep. 06, 2026, 6:00 a.m. by Daniel Jackson | djackson@repub.com Veteran Head Start teacher Donna Asare watched a familiar scene in the day care center on Madison Avenue in Springfield. It was one of the first few [...]
HCS Head Start is incredibly proud to have been named “Best Child Care/Preschool” in The Republican's 2027 Reader Raves! This recognition means so much because it reflects the trust and support of the families and communities we are honored to serve every day. Our dedicated educators and staff work tirelessly to [...]
Published: Sep. 02, 2026, 10:08 a.m. By Nicole Blais, CEO, HCS Head Start My connection to Head Start began at Parkside Early Learning Center in Ludlow, where my teacher was Janis Santos. Decades later, after Janis had devoted 49 years to HCS Head Start, I became the CEO of the organization she had helped [...]
By BusinessWest Staff August 27, 2026 SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start Inc. announced that three longtime members of its team have each reached a milestone of 25 years of service: Casondra Alexander, site director; Myrna Nunez, infant/toddler teacher; and Nakeisha McLaurin, infant/toddler teacher. Together, Alexander, Nunez, and McLaurin represent 75 years [...]
The Republican Business Desk Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals who continue to make a difference [...]
Read on Business West SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is investing in the future of early childhood education through Tomorrow’s Teachers, a paid internship program designed to introduce individuals to careers in early childhood education while helping address the growing need for qualified educators across the region. Managed by HCS Head [...]
(Mass Appeal) – School may be out, but learning doesn’t have to stop! At Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start they have simple, fun, and affordable ways families can keep preschoolers learning throughout the summer months. Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer and Mara Charizio, Director of Education are here to show us how to keep [...]
HCS Head Start Celebrates Team Members, Volunteers, Leaders By BusinessWest Staff June 5, 2026 SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, [...]
SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month by reinforcing the critical role mental wellness plays in a child’s overall development and long-term success. At HCS Head Start, mental wellness is not a concept reserved for discussion. It is something children experience every day through intentional practices, supportive [...]
HCS Head Start, Square One, Springfield Public Schools, and the YMCA have created a new agency, "Foundations for Success," to help families find the proper types of support according to their situation and needs. The agency connects families, parents, caregivers and community support programs, with personalized guidance. Business West Early [...]
Business West By BusinessWest Staff April 22, 2026 SPRINGFIELD — Nicole Blais, CEO of Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start, has been named the 2026 Leader of the Year by the Massachusetts Head Start Assoc. (MHSA). This recognition honors her decades of leadership, commitment, and impact on children, families, and the broader Head [...]
Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start, discusses the economic impact of early learning with host Jill Monson on Living Local's BizBuzz podcast. Listen here!!
Head Start spreads the love, delivers their Annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Mayor Sarno 02/13/2026 Every year, Mayor Sarno and team are happy to receive a visit from his friends at Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, Inc. around Valentine’s Day with some special cards. Constituent Services Director Genesis Velez was happy to receive this [...]
People in Business: Jan. 14, 2026 By The Republican Business Desk Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start has announced that Jeni (Jeniliz) Rodriguez was promoted to human resources senior generalist. Rodriguez attended Head Start as a child in Puerto Rico. She later joined HCS Head Start as a human resources assistant after working at Raymour [...]
Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start Welcomes Two Members to Policy Council By BusinessWest Staff January 14, 2026 SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently welcomed two new members, Monalisa Smith and Maritza Sostre, to its parent-led policy council. Across the country, Head Start organizations engage parents and community representatives to make up [...]
Springfield diaper drive aids 200 families with baby supplies by: Areta Odiah SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The O’Dell Women’s Center in Springfield held its second annual diaper distribution event today, aiming to support families facing financial difficulties by providing essential baby supplies. The event, supported by over 40 volunteers, was designed to alleviate some [...]
