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

Iva Brito

Bristol Community College Women's Center

Kate Carney

Kate Carney

Carney Family Charitable Foundation

Helena DaSilva Hughes

Helena DaSilva Hughes

Immigrants' Assistance Center, Inc.

Anthony Sapienza

Anthony Sapienza

New Bedford Economic Development Council

Liz Wiley

Liz Wiley

The Marion Institute

Chris Howard

Chris Howard

First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union

Wendy Garf-Lipp

Wendy Garf-Lipp

United Neighbors of Fall River

Melissa Cardelli

Melissa Cardelli

Bristol Community College

Maria Rosario

Maria Rosario

Executive Director, NorthStar Learning Centers

Jeff Bradley

Jeff Bradley

Bristol County Savings Bank

Rachel Lerner, LICSW

Rachel Lerner, LICSW

Greater New Bedford Health Center

Gail Fortes

Gail Fortes

YWCA of Southeastern MA

Jo-Anne Sbrega

Jo-Anne Sbrega

The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River

Meg Rogers

Meg Rogers

Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Fall River

Michelle Hantman

Michelle Hantman

President & CEO

Mark Montigny

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.