By STEVE FREKER
MALDEN — Nearly 140 families from Malden, Everett and now Medford, will benefit from the opening of a new Head Start center near the Medford-Malden city line.
Previously many Malden and Everett families and some from Medford were served by a Head Start center located on Bryant Street in Malden for many years. More Medford families will now be able to take advantage of the new center location.
The new state-of-the-art early learning center at 359 Commercial St., Malden, is affiliated with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Head Start now serving 2,300 low-income children from birth to age five.
ABCD runs a full-day, full-year program serving children and their families in 24 ABCD centers plus partner sites throughout Boston, Malden and Everett. Early Head Start, now at 12 sites, primarily in Boston and its surrounding communities, serves 282 infants, toddlers and pregnant mothers.
Medford and Malden state Rep. Paul Donato, a leading legislative proponent for children, said the new center is a welcome addition in Malden and Medford.
“These children are the ones who need and deserve our help the most,” Donato said. “The services that will be provided by Head Start will make a difference in their lives.”
ABCD Head Start is a federal program with a multi-pronged approach to enhancing the wellbeing of children and their families. Head Start has program that address nutrition as well as creating activities and experience that stimulate children’s cognitive and behavioral skills.
“ABCD is honored as we unveil this state-of-the-art center serving low income children and families in Malden, Medford and Everett,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “All too many families here are struggling to make ends meet while seeking the best education and opportunities possible for their children. We are happy to be a vital resource to them.”
First implemented in 1965, Head Start has worked for 50 years to improve the lives of more than 33 million children across America, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in school and life, according to information on abcdboston.org. Head Start services include education, health, dental, nutrition, social services along with intensive parent engagement.
“These children are America’s future,” said Drew. “They deserve the very best in early education and care. Head Start provides that for more than a million poor children and families nationwide.”