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Springfield Day Nursery becomes "Square One"

The Springfield Day Nursery became Square One on Thursday, July 19, at an event unveiling the 124 year old child care center’s new name.  The name change celebrates the agency’s expansion into Holyoke with their fifth center, as well as its evolution from a nursery into something much more – a safe place for children to grow and get an early start on learning the skills that will help them to excel in life.

The care center’s mission is simple: “start at the beginning,” said Joan Kagan, president and CEO of the agency.  “Start at square one.  Teach the children the skills they need to learn early in life and they will be better learners for a lifetime.”  Kagan explained that children who learn these life lessons early are less likely to be involved in criminal activity, drugs, gangs, etc. and have a better chance of doing well in school and avoiding a life of crime and poverty.

Serving more than 1,000 children from all socioeconomic levels a day, Square One is the largest and one of the most affordable providers of early education and care in Western Massachusetts.  With the opening of the new center in Holyoke, the first outside of Springfield, Square One will be able to care for more than 100 additional children.  As well as education and child care, Square One also partners with a number of organizations across the city, including GoFIT, the YWCA, Partners for a Healthier Community and the Springfield Housing Authority, and offers support and training to parents to help promote healthy living and safe home environments.

The name change not only reflects the center’s policy on early education but also commemorates the Springfield Day Nursery’s growth and innovation over the years.  “We’ve been finding new ways to help families since 1883,” said a press release for the organization, “but we’re happy to be starting all over again at Square One.”

- Lauren Foley


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Page last updated:  Friday, July 20, 2007 01:44 pm