WESTFIELD – Community Action is announcing changes to the Parent-Child Development Program (PCDC) that will be effective as of the beginning of our new program year. In addition to 20 Head Start preschool classrooms, the Pioneer Valley’s largest antipoverty agency will operate new programs to serve infants, toddlers, and pregnant women in Westfield and surrounding areas.
Community Action’s PCDC 390 Southampton Road center in Westfield already holds 6 preschool classrooms for Head Start students and will now offer an additional extended-day Early Head Start toddler classroom for the school year. During the summer, when the classroom closes, the Lead Teacher will continue the program by visiting each child’s home once per
week as a Home Visitor.
“Every year we assess the needs of our region. It is painfully clear that there is a need for more services for infants and toddlers” said Clare Higgins, Community Action’s Executive Director. “The classroom in Westfield will create opportunity for parents to work or go to school secure in their knowledge that their young children are in a nurturing, high-quality early education and care setting.”
The program provides two meals, snacks, diapers and wipes at no cost to parents.
In addition to the new toddler classroom, Community Action will also offer a home visiting program for pregnant women and children through age 3, which provides enrichment activities, advocacy, and resources for enrolled families.
Parents and families interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to contact the PCDC Enrollment Office as soon as possible at 413-654-1770.
