T&G Santa: Rainbow Center’s safe haven on Santa’s list

By Bill Thomas, Correspondent

Wednesday
Posted Nov 29, 2017 at 12:40 PM Updated Nov 29, 2017 at 12:46 PM

WORCESTER – Nancy Thibault of the Rainbow Child Development Center likens the center’s role to that of an oasis in the midst of poverty.

To that end, the Edward Street early education and after-school facility’s staff is gratified that the center’s children have been chosen as a Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund recipient for the first time this year.

“I can’t tell you how much the gifts from T&G Santa help,” Ms. Thibault said, noting that center students from 3 to 13 years of age will be the recipients. “Our parents do not have discretionary funds for Legos, craft kits and art kits. Each child will get two nice gifts that are age-appropriate and new,” she said, emphasizing the latter word. (more…)

Outdoor Play Space Restoration

play space event
The Center’s ADA Outdoor Play Space and Natural Classroom was
completed in July 2017 and the Grand Opening event was held on September 8th. Please see The Grand Opening Program for full details on the event.

The new play space now features numerous climbers, balance and overhead components that will increase children’s strength and endurance. Components include:

  • A tricycle path
  • An age appropriate obstacle course
  • Enhanced outdoor garden area
  • Safe rubber and turf areas to play on and shade structures
  • Equipment designed and certified by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector

Worcester early education center serving at-risk students unveils new playspaces

By Scott O’Connell
Telegram & Gazette Staff
Posted Sep 8, 2017 at 7:48 PMUpdated at 6:19 AM

WORCESTER – Rotting wood and rusted bolts at the Rainbow Child Development Center’s old play area have been replaced by brand-new playsets, thanks to the generosity of donors and a six-figure government grant.

Just as important, said officials at the Edward Street-based early education and after-school center, which serves disadvantaged children in the area, the gleaming playground introduced at a ceremony on Friday will enable safer, better playtime for those kids and, in the process, hopefully help close an achievement gap separating them and their more well-off peers. (more…)

Spring Gala 2017

Thank you to all who contributed to Rainbow Child Development Center’s (RCDC) Signature Gala at The Haven Country Club on April 1, 2017. The Gala was a success and RCDC exceeded its goal and raised $26,000! The Gala’s proceeds will directly improve the lives of over two hundred and fifty children between the ages of 6 weeks up to 13 years old who are in need.

Successful Signature Event

Spring Gala

Rainbow Child Development Center’s (RCDC) Signature Event on April, 9 2016 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club successfully raised over $22,400! This achievement was possible through generous financial response from the Center’s community sponsors, business partners and individual donors. One highlight of the evening was a Rainbow parent’s affirmation of the Center’s positive influence on her children and family. Funds from the event will assist in supporting the Center’s on site Speech and Language Program, literacy programs, early education and care programs, cultural and healthy lifestyle programming.

RCDC Signature Event

Rainbow Child Development Center’s (RCDC) Signature Event on March 19, 2015 at The Hanover Theatre was a success and raised over $13,000. This achievement was possible through generous financial response from the Center’s community sponsors, business partners and individual donors.

Funding from the Signature Event helps to provide children with on-site Speech and Language Development Program, Play Therapy, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) courses, Fine Arts, Literacy, Raised Bed Gardening, Hydroponic Gardening and healthy lifestyle initiatives. All programs promote student achievement by fostering educational excellence.

Family Child Care Program

Our program philosophy is to provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate care to support and encourage the maximum development of each child.

Frosty’s Friends

Many agencies and business and friends have made sure that all children at Rainbow enjoy the holidays with presents
Members of Rainbow’s staff distributed gifts over the holidays.

Thank you to all of the many who donated so generously. Your kindness has made a difference in the lives of many children and families who are in significant need. (more…)

Technology is Terrific! STEM Grant Award News

The Center’s School Age Program was awarded $22,400 of grant funding from MA Department of Education to support our STEM initiative entitled “ Technology is Terrific !” Each week, over 130 students at City View, Belmont and Edward Street participate in a STEM program lead by Kim Bent, founder of Catch the Science Bug. Kim guides students how to construct Simple Machines and Simple Tools using Legos.

Charlie Baker’s Visit

On February 7, 2014 Republican candidate for Governor, Charlie, his wife Lauren and Karyn Polito, candidate for Lieutenant Governor visited Rainbow Child Development Center. The visit comprised of Joyce Rowell, Ex. Director, providing an overview of The Center. Each of Rainbow’s three programs displayed samples of student’s work that ranged from Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Art, Literature and Creative Movement Programs.

The Bakers, Karyn Polito and Baker Campaign Team were impressed with Rainbow’s cross functional work with State Agencies, Foundations, nonprofit and private sector. They clearly understood the importance of quality early childhood programs for disadvantage children is cost efficient, close the achievement gap and ultimately improve economic productivity.

Their visit concluded with Charlie reading a book to preschool students.