GLCAC Expands Affordable Childcare Access with New Facility in Lawrence

LAWRENCE – With the continuing need for affordable childcare in Lawrence, a newly built childcare center is increasing the number of seats available for children in a state-of-the-art, early-learning environment.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 13, 2024, celebrated the opening of the Dr. Thomas S. Perrault Childcare Center as the new home for the childcare services offered by the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. GLCAC has offered quality childcare since 1971, most recently from a 51-year-old, converted supermarket that was demolished as part of the new facility’s construction.

Named after a long-time GLCAC board chairman, the Perrault Childcare Center is designed to provide a positive, nurturing environment where infants to school-age children can reach their full social, emotional and educational potential. Located at 585 Andover St., the Perrault Childcare Center offers affordable, inclusive, active and hands-on learning in appropriate-sized classrooms, activity spaces and safe outside play areas. The center offers competitive rates, and state-funded financial aid is available for qualifying families.

“Our new facility will allow us to continue providing high-quality and affordable childcare services in a bright and spacious environment that better meets the needs of our students and our dedicated staff,’’ said GLCAC’s Executive Director and CEO Vilma Martínez-Dominguez. “We are thrilled to be able to provide a safe and nurturing environment where working families feel safe leaving their children.’’

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks by Margaret Hernandez, a parent of a student at the center, and David Perrault, son of the late Dr. Perrault. In addition, speakers included Commissioner Amy Kershaw of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña, Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund, GLCAC Board President Johan Lopez, and Evelyn Friedman, former Executive Director and CEO of GLCAC.

The Perrault Childcare Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and fully licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care. The Perrault Childcare Center currently accepts children ages 15 months to 11 years old on a space-available basis and plans to accept infants. Families seeking additional information and to enroll can call (978) 681-4910.

The $12.6 million project was funded with a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts along with private donations, tax credits, bank financing and equity. The 30,000-square-foot, two-story building features 16 classrooms compared to the former 16,900-square-foot, one-story building with 9 classrooms.

Features of the new facility include:

A 30 percent increase in enrollment to 297 students.
Better-equipped classrooms.
More appropriate bathroom facilities.
Expanded kitchen for preparing healthy meals and snacks.
Larger indoor play areas.
Energy-efficient design.
Playgrounds with modern equipment and outdoor learning space.

GLCAC is a multi-faceted social services agency that assisted 32,499 individuals in 2023 through a range of programs including early childhood education, fuel assistance, WIC nutrition assistance, immigration services, lead poisoning prevention, child abuse prevention, and English-language lessons.