Small Blessings Early Childhood Development Centre is Expanding
The official groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of The Salvation Army Small Blessings Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) took place April 11, at Moncton Citadel Community Church.
Small Blessings ECDC is an award-winning “Centre of Excellence”, widely recognized as a leader in the field of early childhood education. For over 26 years, Small Blessings ECDC has been delivering unique, holistic programs designed to enhance a child’s physical, social, emotional spiritual and intellectual development. Fully licensed, accredited and certified, the Centre is operated by The Salvation Army on a not-for-profit basis. The Centre provides open enrollment in all its programs, offering services to the entire Greater Moncton community.
“It’s a historic day,” says Major Alison Cowling, Divisional Commander of the Maritime Division. “At an estimated cost of $1.5 million, the Centre will provide 6,000 square feet of additional floor space that will be fully dedicated to Small Blessings programs. This expansion will allow us to make a significant difference in this community by continuing to provide a wholesome, safe and happy learning environment.”
Small Blessings ECDC is expanding to accommodate the ever-increasing demand from the community for new and innovative services. The expansion will increase available full-time child-care spaces by 31, after school spaces by 30, and overall service capacity by 50 percent, for an amazing total enrollment of 192 children.
“Small Blessings has been a special place for over 26 years for this city, not only economically but also for community building,” says Councillor Dawn Arnold for the City of Moncton.
Jeff Wood, Chair of the Small Blessings Community Council, says, “It’s not about simply creating spaces. It’s about meeting the needs of children at their developmental pace. It’s about meeting their needs at a time in their lives that has the biggest impact on their future. Small Blessings is 100 percent committed to achieving the federal and provincial priorities for early childhood education and development. ”
“This new addition will not only allow for program expansion, but will also provide the means to significantly enhance programs already in place,” says Lorraine Veysey, Director of Small Blessings.
“For example, in our after-school program, we will be adding newly developed components in the important areas of physical education, leadership development, science, arts and culture (music, dance, etc.) and entrepreneurship.”
According to Captain Leigh Ryan, Corps Officer in Moncton, “Funding for a project of this size requires a partnership approach involving support from a variety of sources. In addition to donations from The Salvation Army and members of the local congregation, there have been significant contributions from the families and alumni of Small Blessings, as well as partners and friends in the broader community, including business, government and other interested agencies. We are encouraged by donations and pledges to date, and are counting on receiving more donations and support as the project unfolds.”
Small Blessings Director, Lorraine Veysey, adds, “Now it is time to fill our additional spaces. With increased spots for all ages including infants and afterschool (6 months – 12 years), we will immediately be accepting registrations to reach our program capacity by September 2015. Our expectation is that the spots will go quickly, so we’re asking interested parents to please get their child’s name on the list as soon as possible by calling the Small Blessings office at 857-0588. For further inquiries, you can also email us at smallblessings@rogers.com, visit our website at sasmallblessings.com or simply drop by our location of 20 Centennial Drive, Moncton. ”
The official opening of the new expansion is slated for the Fall of 2015.