Dawn DiStefano

Square One, formerly the Springfield Day Nursery, has been providing early education and child care support to working families in Western Massachusetts for more than 132 years. Today, we provide a wide range of services to children and families, but we remain grounded in our commitment to providing affordable, learning focused child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a safe, stable and secure environment. We are guided by research showing that children who begin learning early become better learners for life. Kids who get off to a good start are better equipped to become successful and happy as adults. They become more productive and more likely to make a positive contribution to their community. Moreover, they become better equipped to provide expanded opportunities to their own children. At Square One, our role is to help build the foundations for both better lives and a better community. Founded in 1883 to provide care for children of working parents, we have evolved and expanded over the years. Our programs include both center and home based childcare as well as Parenting Works, a program that provides parent education, support and training through groups, home visitation and case management. Programs at our centers vary depending on the age and development of enrolled children, but always focus on providing opportunities for children to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically.