FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakes Region and Lakes Region Child Care Services Celebrate Expansion of Early Childhood Education Through New Partnership with Plymouth State University

Contact:
Joanne Haight
Lakes Region Development Associate
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakes Region
603-505-2937

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire (BGC CNNH), an organization with a proven history of successfully operating and integrating early childhood education programs across the state, has been selected to assume operations of Plymouth State University's Center for Young Children and Families beginning September 1, 2026.

The transition marks another significant milestone in the organization's commitment to strengthening access to high-quality early childhood education while supporting the development of New Hampshire's future workforce.

"Our academic year starts in August, and our faculty and students are hard at work by the last week in August," said Nathaniel Bowditch, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Plymouth State University. "My expectation is the opening day will be in advance of that."

The Center for Young Children and Families serves children ages 13 months to 5 years, including children of Plymouth State students, faculty, staff, and families throughout the region. Current university staff will continue operations through the summer before the center reopens under the leadership of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire.

"When it reopens, it will be fully operational and run by Boys & Girls Club," Bowditch said.

In addition to Plymouth State University, BGC CNNH has also been selected to operate the child care center at Keene State College, further expanding its impact on early childhood education throughout New Hampshire.

According to Chris Emond, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire, the opportunity reflects the organization's long-standing commitment to children, families, and educators.

"It is an honor to continue the tradition of care and learning within the University System of New Hampshire," said Emond. "We are committed to creating a rich educational environment that supports not only children and families, but also the next generation of early childhood professionals."

The selection followed a competitive bid process conducted by the University System of New Hampshire, with input from campus staff, families, and early childhood education leaders. BGC CNNH was ultimately chosen for its strong track record and commitment to providing mentorship opportunities within high-quality lab-school environments for college students preparing careers in early childhood education.

The organization brings extensive experience to the role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BGC CNNH assumed operations of NHTI's Mary Stuart Gile Early Learning Center. The organization has also successfully completed several mergers and partnerships throughout the state, including the 2019 merger between the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region and Lakes Region Child Care Services, as well as partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Concord and the Penacook Community Center Boys & Girls Club.

Bowditch noted that this experience played a significant role in the university's decision.

Currently, the Plymouth center serves 51 children from 43 families, employs seven staff members, and provides experiential learning opportunities for approximately 20 to 25 student workers each year. Located in a dedicated facility near Speare Memorial Hospital, the center serves as an important educational resource for both the university and the broader community.

"The center is a really great space," Bowditch said. "It is a vital connection between the university and the community."

Maintaining that connection remains a priority. The center serves as an experiential learning site for students pursuing careers in education—from early childhood certifications to doctoral-level programs—and BGC CNNH has committed to preserving these educational opportunities.

Another key focus throughout the transition has been staffing continuity. Emond said families have expressed strong support for the experienced educators currently serving the center.

"They already have a really good, veteran staff there who can mentor upcoming teachers and work with early childhood education students," Emond said. "The level of operations there is top notch."

Bowditch praised the organization's proactive communication with families and staff during the transition process.

"We are talking about their kids and their jobs," Bowditch said. "Boys & Girls Club has come in early, communicated proactively, and helped reassure everyone involved."

He added that the local, community-based nature of the organization has been a source of confidence for families and university leadership alike.

"It’s New Hampshire-based, local, and familiar," said Bowditch. "There is a lot of gratitude and relief that we found a solution that will continue serving both our community and the university."

As the Boys & Girls Clubs organization continues to expand its early childhood education footprint across New Hampshire, leaders remain focused on ensuring high-quality care, maintaining accreditation standards, supporting educators, and strengthening opportunities for children and families throughout the state.