Nantucket, like many communities across the nation, faces a shortage of preschool programs for children. In some cases, parents are placing their children on waitlists even before they are born, as the few available public and private options are already full.
Jamie Foster, the CEO of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, is aware of this pressing issue. As a father of two young boys, he understands the challenges parents face in finding reliable childcare. In response, Foster and his team, along with the organization’s board and donors, are preparing to launch NBGClub Jr., a new preschool program at the Sparks Avenue facility.
“For years, I’ve recognized the difficulty of finding reliable childcare, especially when I faced it with my own two boys,” Foster said. “Many young people on the island want to work but struggle due to the lack of childcare options. Our facility often sits unused during the day, which presents an opportunity to fill this community gap. Thanks to generous donors who understand the importance of early education, we now have the funds needed to start this program.”
The Club has appointed Carly Peixoto as the new preschool director. Peixoto recently relocated to Nantucket from Taunton, Massachusetts, and has moved into the organization’s employee housing. The program is tentatively set to open in December, serving children aged 2 years and 9 months to 5 years. It will initially accommodate 20 students, with three teachers available, and will operate from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The weekly fee for families will be $350.
“This will be a pilot year, and we aim to open in early December 2024,” Foster stated. “Depending on how things progress, we see opportunities for expansion, including longer hours, summer programs, and additional classrooms for more students.”
Foster acknowledged the contributions of Nichole Olson, the outgoing executive director of Small Friends on Nantucket, who helped the club develop the program.
To manage enrollment for the initial 20 spots, Foster plans to implement a lottery system based on demand.
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