OUR HISTORY

Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield, Inc. grew out of a 1969 meeting between the Springfield Model Cities Educational Task Force and a committee of low income and AFDC parents who met to address child care and developmental needs in the community. They were concerned with problems of inadequate or unavailable child care as they attempted to cope with jobs, school, and vocational programs intended to improve their employment capabilities.

These meetings resulted in the submission of a proposal to the Springfield Model Cities Project to develop an early childhood program. The funding was granted and Early Childhood Centers had its beginning as the Early Childhood Education Center, which opened its doors in September 1970 at 143 Eastern Avenue.

In February 1974, the Early Childhood Education Center was incorporated under its new name, “Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield, Inc.,” with a primary commitment to provide comprehensive early education and care services to the children and families in Greater Springfield.

In June 2000, Early Childhood Centers opened its new state-of-the art education center on Catharine Street with a licensing capacity for 378 children. Early Childhood Centers provides early education and child care services and family support services to the Greater Springfield area. Since 1970, the Center has served over 9,000 children and their families.

Early Childhood Centers’ 36,750 square foot state-of-the-art child development/family support center opened in June 2000. In addition to 26 classrooms, observation booths are available for use by staff, other professionals, and parents involved with ongoing classroom activities. Other Center amenities include a dance studio, nurse’s health unit, commercial kitchen, family resource room with computers, a large multi-purpose room for family and community activities, a board room, staff offices and lounges, and a laundry.