For Immediate Release:

Next Generation to Specialize in Infant and Toddler Care

GREENLAND, NH – May 17, 2007 – Next Generation of Greenland is changing to a childcare center that specializes in the developmental growth of children ages six weeks to three years. The center, which serves up to 18 children per day, will conclude its preschool program by August, 2007 and is modifying its curriculum towards the first years of a child’s life.

Recent brain research indicates that early care and education has longlasting effects on how children learn and develop, cope with stress, and handle their emotions. At birth, a child's brain is about 25% of its approximate weight at adulthood. At age 3, a child's brain has reached about 90% of its full potential. In other words, the infant's and young child's brain is vastly more complex and active than previously assumed.

Jen Leary, Next Generation Director, is excited about the program. “We have scientific proof that states the first three years are critical to a person’s overall well-being. Redirecting our curriculum to serve this age group is the next step in a growing childcare trend,” said Leary, who is redeveloping the curriculum for infants and toddlers.

Next Generation is open to the public and accepts Title XX payments from low-income families who are working towards self-sufficiency. In July, 2006, Next Generation received a Licensed Plus rating from The NH Department of Health and Human Services. Licensed Plus is a quality rating system that recognizes New Hampshire child care programs for efforts to improve the quality of care for young children and rewards programs that strive to improve their practices and staff qualifications. 

Next Generation is a service of New Generation, a shelter for homeless pregnant women and mothers with young children. New Generation houses up to seven women and their children at a time, and provides counseling, parenting education, job skills, nutrition and life skills onsite. Residents are driven to housing and health appointments, as well as work, job interviews and education classes. Other services include: Second Generation Thrift Shoppes, now in Greenland and Rochester, and Generation Gap Furniture Barn. For more information, visit www.newgennh.com or call Toni Trotzer, Executive Director, at 603-436-4989.