Children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs are twice as likely to attend college.
In both gateway cities of New Bedford and Fall River, there remains an estimated 500 children, mostly infant and toddler, on a waiting list for care.
our members
We have intentionally engaged multiple sectors in order to develop comprehensive cross-sector alignment to support early childhood development and education across the region.
Iva Brito
Bristol Community College Women's Center
Kate Carney
Carney Family Charitable Foundation
Helena DaSilva Hughes
Immigrants' Assistance Center, Inc.
Anthony Sapienza
New Bedford Economic Development Council
Liz Wiley
The Marion Institute
Chris Howard
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
Wendy Garf-Lipp
United Neighbors of Fall River
Melissa Cardelli
Bristol Community College
Maria Rosario
Executive Director, NorthStar Learning Centers
Jeff Bradley
Bristol County Savings Bank
Rachel Lerner, LICSW
Greater New Bedford Health Center
Gail Fortes
YWCA of Southeastern MA
Jo-Anne Sbrega
The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River
Meg Rogers
Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Fall River
Michelle Hantman
President & CEO
Mark Montigny
Massachusetts Senator - Second Bristol and Plymouth
HEED is a collaborative network comprising diverse stakeholders committed to providing every child with the best start in life, ensuring they enter kindergarten prepared to achieve their maximum potential.
