McGovern Praises Child Care Agency for 40 Years of Service to Worcester’s Children
Worcester Comprehensive Education and Care, Inc. (WCEC), greater Worcester’s premier provider of education and child care services to underprivileged families, continues the celebration of its 40th Anniversary on November 9th with their annual meeting and a special awards banquet that will honor individuals who have provided “Above & Beyond” service to WCEC.
Proceeds from ticket sales and private donations will go toward the $10,000 cost of our “Summer Fun Field Trips” program that provide hands-on learning experiences through field trips to the aquarium, the zoo, and in a nature-focused outdoor learning environment for 60 needy children who are with WCEC in our School Age Program this summer. WCEC needs to raise $10,000 to cover the full cost of this program for nearly 60 needy children.
The November 9th meeting continues the 40th Anniversary celebration that began on October 1st when Congressman James McGovern joined Mayor Joseph O’Brien, State Representative James O’Day and Massachusetts Early Education Commissioner Sherri Killins joined 150 guests in honoring WCEC’s 40 years of service to Worcester at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Also honored were Jose and Elizabeth Rivera who received a certificate of appreciation from Commissioner Killins for their long history of volunteer work with WCEC.
Worcester Comprehensive Education and Care was originally incorporated in 1971 as Great Brook Valley Day Care Services to fill the need to provide after-school programs to GBV residents. The organization now operates as WCEC, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to providing low or no-cost, high-quality childcare services in low income neighborhoods. Since opening their doors 40 years ago, their services have evolved to include infant/toddler and preschool care, school age programs, teen care programs at Burncoat and South High Schools, home based child care in 25 licensed providers’ homes, and Centers at Great Brook Valley and Main South.
WCEC is transitioning to an organization that is increasingly funded through private grants and donations, and less on state/taxpayer funding. As such, WCEC has begun to operate year round by providing summer programs that include all day field trips to museums, aquariums, zoos, beaches, and farms for children who would not otherwise have the chance to participate in these activities. Also through donations, WCEC has built five playgrounds to provide exercise and play for the children in the centers and are open to neighborhood children as well.
These events were made possible in part through generous sponsorships from Hanover Insurance Foundation, Citizens Bank, Seven Hills Foundation, Bank of America, Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College, Telegram & Gazette, and many other private sponsors.
Worcester Comprehensive looks forward to continuing our celebration of 40 years of successful education, care, and support provided to the low income children and families of Worcester. If you would like to help by sponsoring a child for the “Summer Fun Field Trips” program, contact WCEC to speak with Sandy Brown at 508-852-3792 Ext. 10 to make a contribution, or information on the organization.
About Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care
Worcester Comprehensive Education and Care has a 40 year track record as one of the largest providers of child care in the city of Worcester. WCEC is licensed by the Department of Early Education & Care and is fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We serve over 350 children and their families each year, ranging in ages from infants to teenagers. Our comprehensive range of services includes infant care, after school programs, home based child care, and support and education for teenage parents. Since 1971 our programs have helped care for and educate thousands of young people.
