New Bedford to celebrate $1 million grant, early education centers opening

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — It’s an exciting morning for education leaders in Whaling City, as they celebrate three milestones for early childhood education in New Bedford.

This morning, the Parker Early Childhood Center will open in its new capacity as pre-school.

It underwent renovation at the end of 2024 from its original elementary school designation.

On top of that New Bedford leaders will also celebrate the launch of a Chapter 74 Early Childhood Pathway at New Bedford High School, which would train students in entry level work in early education.

And lastly, the leaders will celebrate the $1 million grant from the bay state’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership initiative.

The tri-celebration is at 10:30, at the new Parker Early Childhood Center on County Street.