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Early Learning Agencies to Launch New Collaboration to Serve Springfield Families

By
Daily News

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.”

HCS Head Start Awards 2025 Janis Santos Scholarship to Barbara Torres Marzan

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently announced the 2025 recipient of its Janis Santos Scholarship.

Three years ago, the organization launched this annual recognition, created by Santos, former CEO of HCS Head Start, to help address the shortage of early childhood teachers. Knowing the importance of supporting this profession, Santos established this scholarship to support current HCS staff, parents, and all Head Start alumni who are pursuing a degree in early education and care but may be encountering financial hardship.

Santos, along with Nicole Blais, HCS Head Start’s current CEO, awarded the 2025 honor to Barbara Torres Marzan. She has been with HCS Head Start for close to four years and is currently an infant/toddler teacher. She was presented with the $2,000 scholarship to continue her studies at Springfield Technical Community College.

Previous honorees include Mayra Felix, who recently completed her bachelor’s degree at Springfield College, and Notavious Andino-Galarza-Perez, who is currently studying at Columbia University.

HCS Head Start Celebrates Week of the Young Child

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is once again participating in the Week of the Young Child, the purpose of which is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and families and to recognize the early-childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Originally created in 1971 by the National Assoc. for the Education of Young Children in an effort to recognize that the early-childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life, this week continues as an annual event celebrating early learning.

HCS Head Start prepares preschool children not only for kindergarten, but for life. According to the Brookings Institute (2016), children who attend Head Start have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the organization has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

“All the data reinforces how a child’s earliest years are fundamental in shaping their learning and development, yet never before have the needs of young children and their families in our community been more pressing,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start.

In addition to early-education services, as a multi-service agency, HCS Head Start provides comprehensive programs, services, and support for children and their families, with programs including cooking, money management, parenting classes, a healthy relationships program, and more.

HCS Head Start has planned a fun-filled week of happenings celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Children enrolled in HCS Head Start will enjoy Week of the Young Child with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.

The festivities also include storytime guest readers. While some guest readers are still pending, confirmed guests include HCS Head Start board members, members of the organization’s health advisory board, and two area mayors: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno today, April 8, at 9 a.m. at Carew Street Head Start Center, 65 Carew St., Springfield; and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Grove Early Learning Center, 216 Broadway St., Chicopee.

In addition, Head Start families are invited to Ride the Wellness Wave, a free health and safety resource fair hosted by HCS Head Start’s health team on Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carew Street Head Start Center at 65 Carew St., Springfield. Local community organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources to families in an effort to continue to promote the importance of overall health and wellness for young children and their families.