Hampton School District Launches Early Childhood Education Coalition, Playgroup at Centre School

HAMPTON — Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa is delighted to share that the Hampton School District has launched an early childhood education coalition as well as a new playgroup at Centre School to invite families with young children to become part of the school community.

The Hampton Alliance for Thriving Children (HATCh) coalition was started last spring by Early Intervention Outreach Specialist Patrice Baker and Director of Student Services Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton. 

The coalition consists of parents, community members, school staff and administration, and representatives from a variety of local agencies that work with families and young children. Members meet monthly and have been gathering input from parents in the community, building relationships with one another, and sharing resources about the work they’re all doing to support young children.

The coalition has identified some initial priorities and action steps and is connecting with funders to support the initiatives.

One initiative is the The HATCH Family Playgroup at Centre School, which will launch on Friday, Jan. 10, and will meet weekly during the school year. 

Hampton families with children ages four and under are welcome to attend; the group includes time for exploration and play on the new preschool playground and in a classroom. Engaging in this type of open-ended play encourages creativity, problem-solving, language development, and social-emotional intelligence. The group is also an opportunity for parents to connect with one another and with school staff, share ideas, and learn about community supports and parenting resources. 

“We are excited to launch our Family Playgroup at Centre School, and to work together with our partners to strengthen the web of support surrounding families and young children. The early years are critical for building a strong foundation that impacts lifelong learning, health and well-being,” said Baker, “and no one group or organization can do it alone. The level of commitment and enthusiasm from SAU 90, parents, and community agencies has been fantastic! It is inspiring to see the increasing number of school-community coalitions, like HATCh, happening across the state as more people understand the importance of the earliest years for healthy development and positive outcomes.”

For more information about HATCh or about how to get involved, reach out to Patrice Baker, Early Intervention Outreach Specialist, at pbaker@sau21.org, or 603-926-9882, ext. 117.

The Hampton Alliance for Thriving Children (HATCH)

HATCH is committed to building a community where parents and families are supported and all children reach their full potential.  

Our vision is that Hampton parents/caregivers feel connected to each other and to community resources, and that all young children in Hampton have access to the learning opportunities and positive experiences they need to learn, grow and thrive.