THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 6, 2023 Page 11 McGonagle, Education Committee visit Everett early education centers I n late September, State Representative Joe McGonagle welcomed State Representative Denise Garlick, who is House Chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, and her staff to visit two early education centers in Everett. The visit was part of the Education Committee’s effort to understand the needs of early education centers across the Commonwealth post-pandemic. The group began the visit at Children’s Playhouse Daycare, a family owned and operated business that takes children from four weeks old through kindergarten. They then followed that by meeting with ABCD Head Start in Everett, one of several Head Start programs across Boston, Malden, Medford and Everett. ABCD Head Start is a nonprofit organization aiming to give quality early education to low-income families. Each visit was comprised of a tour of the facilities and in-depth discussions with program leaders about the goals, struggles and needs of early education centers. “To say I was impressed by both centers is certainly an understatement,” said McGonagle. “I was truly blown away by the quality of care that exists in our own community. The settings for each were slightly different yet they both maintain the mission of the providing the best possible education and care to every child that walks through their doors. They are also committed to the wellbeing of their teachers and staff which is vital. This does not go without its’ struggles though as we discussed raising costs of providing such quality care and staff retention.” “Rep. Joe McGonagle’s leadership has been integral to the Education Committee,” said Representative Garlick. “In our visit he showed us … the importance of accessible, affordable, and quality early education in the Everett community. Our visits to Children’s Playhouse and ABCD Head Start will inform us as we continue our focus on early education and care in the Legislature.” “I’m so thankful to these centers for welcoming us in and being gracious hosts who answered all our questions,” said McGonagle. “I’m also grateful to my friend and colleague Chairwoman Denise Garlick who is working hard to better understand the educational needs across the Commonwealth. I also want to thank Senator Sal DiDomenico and Rep. Judith Garcia for joining us.” The Education Committee, which McGonagle serves on, also visited early childcare centers in Malden and Lowell and will be conducting several more visits around the Commonwealth to different demographic and geographic areas. City of Everett partners with the Everett Arts Association All are welcome to participate in learning how to create various art projects M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett has once again partnered with the Everett Arts Association to host their first semester session beginning Saturday, October 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.). This 12week long semester will be guided by an instructor and culminate with an art show in the late fall. All are welcome to join whether you have experience or are a beginner. For more information, please call Ann at 617-3877797. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA State Representatives Joe McGonagle (second from left) and Denise Garlick (third from right), who is House Chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, with staff of ABCD Head Start. State Representatives Joe McGonagle (far left), Judith Garcia (third from left) and Denise Garlick (far right), who is House Chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, with staff of Children’s Playhouse Daycare.
12 Publizr Home