Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire to operate child care centers in Keene, Plymouth

CONCORD — The University System of New Hampshire and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire recently announced that CNNH will operate two child care centers, one at Keene State College and another at Plymouth State University. Both centers will open by Sept. 1.

“In addition to supporting the families of our employees, students, and surrounding communities, USNH child care centers are essential learning environments that provide a critical resource to our communities and prepare students with skills to excel in these roles,” said USNH Chancellor Catherine Provencher. “Partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire allows us to sustain these vital programs in a way that is both financially responsible and aligned with our academic mission.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of CNNH brings decades of experience in youth development. In addition to its traditional afterschool and summer programming, the organization has been expanding its work in early childhood care and education for nearly a decade to help address growing needs across the state. The Boys & Girls Clubs of CNNH currently operates the Mary Stuart Gile Early Learning Center at New Hampshire Technical Institute, which also serves as a lab school and practicum site for NHTI education students.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of CNNH is honored to continue USNH's long-standing tradition of outstanding care and teaching,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of CNNH CEO Chris Emond. “We are committed to creating rich learning environments that benefit children, families, and the future early childhood workforce. CNNH will work hard to ensure the USNH centers remain vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable for years to come.”

Plymouth State University’s Center for Young Children and Families will continue to serve children ages 13 months through five years, including children of PSU employees and students, as well as families from surrounding communities.

Keene State College’s Child Development Center will continue to serve children ages four months through four years, 11 months, including children of KSC employees and students and families from surrounding communities. The center will also continue to serve as a demonstration site, where students work alongside teacher mentors and faculty.

Both centers are licensed by the State of New Hampshire.

USNH selected the Boys & Girls Clubs of CNNH through a competitive and inclusive RFP process that incorporated input from campus community members, families, and early childhood leaders. USNH selected the organization because of its commitment to providing mentoring opportunities in a high-quality lab-school setting for college students training to be early childhood educators. Additional considerations included the Boys & Girls Clubs’ commitment to maintaining current accreditations.