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.

Robyn Branco
YMCA Southcoast

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

Colleen Kennedy-Mello
Southeast Tobacco-Free Community Partnership · Seven Hills Foundation

Jeff Bradley
Bristol County Savings Bank

Rachel Lerner, LICSW
Greater New Bedford Health Center

Gail Fortes
YWCA of Southeastern MA

Joe Pinsonneault
The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River

Kim Smith
Executive Director

Michelle Hantman
President & CEO

Mark Montigny
Massachusetts Senator - Second Bristol and Plymouth

Chief Walter Correira
Wareham Police Department

Jill Fearons
Friends of Jack Foundation

Ashley Occhino
Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition

Pam Kuechler
PACE Head Start
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.