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 Learning Agencies to Launch New Collaboration to Serve Springfield Families
By BusinessWest Staff,
SPRINGFIELD — The region’s leading providers of preschool programming came together today to formally launch Foundations for Success Springfield. State and local leaders from Springfield Public Schools, HCS Head Start, the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and Square One gathered on the steps of Springfield City Hall to share news of the collaboration.
“Foundations for Success Springfield represents exactly the kind of coordinated, family-centered approach we need,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “This collaboration is an example of what is possible through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, a key piece of Governor Healey’s early education and care agenda. Foundations for Success Springfield will help to align curriculum, improve quality, and create a more coordinated system of childcare for so many Springfield families.”
Foundations For Success Springfield is designed to connect parents, caregivers, and community programs with personalized guidance to ensure every child has the foundation to build a strong, bright future. The initiative will bring together educators, the community, and families to nurture growth, development, and improve the quality of life for children in the Greater Springfield area. It is designed to support families in navigating early childhood systems, including developmental support and educational placement, which is known to be an overwhelming experience for families of young children.
Representatives from the partner agencies were joined by Mass. Undersecretary of the Executive Office of Education Mark Reilly, Mass. Commissioner of Early Education & Care Amy Kershaw, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
“Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves to feel supported on that journey. Foundations for Success is that connection,” said Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall. “It reflects a shared belief that we empower children for life when we surround them with care and guidance from the start. I am grateful to our partners, HCS Head Start, the YMCA of Greater Springfield, Square One, and our state and city leaders, for their commitment to Springfield’s children and families.”
For more information on Foundations For Success Springfield, visit www.foundationsspringfield.org.
“Foundations for Success Springfield reflects our collective commitment to helping parents, educators, and providers navigate the early childhood landscape in our community,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start. “We are honored to be at the table with organizations that share a deep dedication to children’s well-being, strengthening families, and continuously improving the quality and impact of early education.”
WWLP
Springfield agencies launch ‘Foundations for Success’ program
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)
Multiple Springfield agencies launched a new service, Foundations for Success Springfield, on Friday. This initiative aims to support families with young children in the city.
This collaborative effort includes Square One, the YMCA of Greater Springfield, Springfield Public Schools, and HCS Head Start. These organizations have united to help Springfield families navigate early learning for their children.
The new service includes a website designed to assist families and caregivers of young children. Dawn DiStefano, President and CEO of Square One, explained the website’s core function. “It created a website that would initially help families and caregivers of young children answer a few simple questions to help narrow their focus and help them to know what to do next,” DiStefano said.
The website also provides information for individuals interested in working in the early education sector, including details about training opportunities. Organizers hope this comprehensive resource will alleviate stress for parents and caregivers concerning preschool and early education options for their children.