First Start Children's Center, a program of Second Start offering care to children 6 weeks to 10 years, during the school year, and 6 weeks to 12 years of age during our Summer Program. Originally founded to provide quality care for Second Start's adult education students, we now serve more than 200 children each year from the greater Concord area.
Our large, open, air conditioned classrooms, spacious cafeteria and two new, separate, age-appropriate playgrounds are licensed by the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing. The center participates in the NH Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsored by the NH Department of Education. Our eat-in cafeteria has a full service kitchen staffed by a full time kitchen manager who prepares breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack for all our children. Our menus are planned according to the dietary guidelines set by the NH Department of Education Bureau of Food and Nutrition and provide all the necessary components needed to make a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Through the generous support of the United Way and a contract with the State of New Hampshire Development Bureau, we are able to process scholarship assistance for low and moderate income families enabling them to receive quality care at an affordable tuition rate.
First Start has programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as an after-school program and a school-age summer camp program. Our center provides a warm, nurturing and safe atmosphere where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged and individuality is respected.
Our fully equipped playgrounds were designed specifically for infant/mini/toddlers and preschoolers and updated in 2017. These "outdoor classrooms" give children the space to develop gross motor skills in a safe environment. Our playgrounds offer a child safety surface designed to minimize impact from falls by providing a "cushion." The climbing dome, sand boxes with shade cover, slides, crawling tunnels, monkey bars and bike area offer kids many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The center also enjoys the added benefits of Garrison Park, a City of Concord recreational park, for our school age students.
