News Summary
The Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at Roger Williams Park Casino. With a focus on supporting families connected to Brown University and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ and low-income families, the center remains dedicated to providing quality preschool education. The event also spotlighted historical projects aimed at preserving Black history in Rhode Island, linking youth to their community through educational initiatives.
Providence, RI Celebrates 50 Years of Community Engagement at Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center
The Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center recently marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration at Roger Williams Park Casino. This milestone reflects the center’s enduring commitment to supporting families affiliated with Brown University and the surrounding Fox Point community.
Located on Hope Street, the center provides preschool programs exclusively for children of families who live, work, or study at Brown. Approximately 50% to 60% of the enrolled families are connected to the university. Additionally, the center prioritizes admissions for families that are LGBTQ+, low-income, or in need of financial assistance, ensuring accessibility for all. Annually, the center dedicates around $100,000 to financial aid, helping families manage the monthly tuition of $1,575 before any aid is applied.
The center’s commitment to quality care is evidenced by its staff-to-child ratio of 1 teacher for every 6 children, exceeding the state standard of 1 to 9. Children enrolled in the program engage in a variety of activities, including indoor play, outdoor exploration, reading, arts and crafts, as well as receiving nutritious meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
The Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center was established in 1973, following a feasibility study in 1971 that recognized the need for a daycare facility to support working parents at the university. The center’s creation was partially inspired by activism from Women of Brown United, a group advocating for equity and visibility of women within the university community. The building used for the center was initially a chemistry lab donated by Brown University.
Community Engagement and Historical Projects
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, Helen Baskerville-Dukes, Executive Director of the Mount Hope Community Center, is leading initiatives to preserve Black history in Rhode Island. These initiatives involve hiring local youth to document and share oral histories from respected elders in the Black community. The project has identified six community icons from Fox Point whose stories will be highlighted through youth-produced vignettes.
This historical preservation project aims to foster a deeper connection between the youth and their community through knowledge and engagement. Future phases of the initiative will include exhibitions and permanent installations that celebrate the rich history and contributions of the Black community in the area.
Wendy Wallace, Director of Civic Engagement at Brown University, emphasized the significance of bridging the gap between youth and community through educational engagement. By connecting younger generations with the history and dynamics of their community, these projects aim to nurture a sense of belonging and responsibility among participants.
The 50th anniversary of the Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center is not just a celebration of its past but an opportunity to reinforce its mission of inclusion and community involvement. As it looks ahead, the center remains dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for children and families, while continuing to engage with the broader community through valuable educational and historical initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Brown Daily Herald: Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center Celebrates 50 Years
- Google Search: Brown Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center
- GoLocalProv: African American Museum of RI Launch
- Wikipedia: African American Museum
- MLive: Wendy Wallace Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wendy Wallace
- PBN: Get Involved
- Google News: Community Engagement Brown University
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
