Foundations for Success to offer one-stop-shop for early childhood

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall was joined on the steps of City Hall by state officials and the CEOs of three area children’s education organizations to launch Foundations for Success Springfield.

Foundations for Success Springfield is a collaboration of resources for families with preschool-aged children.

“Foundations for Success Springfield represents exactly the kind of coordinated, family-centered approach we need,” Education Secretary Steve Zrike said in a press release. “This collaboration is an example of what is possible through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, a key piece of Gov. [Maura] 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 child care for so many Springfield families.”

The collaboration between Springfield Public Schools, HCS Head Start, the YMCA of Greater Springfield and Square One will guide parents and caregivers to community programs through a one-stop website. Foundations for Success Springfield will help families navigate the early childhood system, including pre-school readiness, educational placement and developmental support.

“Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves to feel supported on that journey. Foundations for Success is that connection,” said 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.”

Nicole Blais, president and CEO of HCS Head Start, said, “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.”

Dinnall said Foundations for Success Springfield will help parents learn what fundamental milestones children should experience in the first few years of life and how to prepare them for preschool. She said many families do not know the School Department offers universal preschool, or do not know how much it benefits young children.

Statewide, Massachusetts Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw said about 80% of four-year-olds are enrolled in early childhood education or child care. “We have made an enormous amount of progress,” she said, but added, “We know there’s more work to be done.”

Referring to the collaborating organizations, Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano said, “These are old partners — old agencies that are experts in their field. I see Square One as sharing its strong capacity. Families don’t have time to click on four different sites,” to find an agency. She said, “How much time is going into a 30 minute intake just to be told, ‘We can’t help you?’” With Foundations for Success Springfield, she said parents can call one phone number or go to one website to find the best agency for them. “Headstart might fill a space Square One doesn’t,” she said. “There’s enough kids to go around.”

For more information on Foundations for Success Springfield, visit foundationsspringfield.org.