AMHERST – As preschoolers grabbed their plastic shovels and donned construction hats – and in several cases bunny ears to showcase the Easter theme – the ground was formally broken on a new playground that, once completed, will bring joy and great memories to the children for decades to come. The Sunrise Children’s Center, an early childhood education center that is a program of the Regional Services and Education Center (RSEC), is moving forward on this ambitious new project and welcoming the support of many community members during the event, which was held on Friday, April 8.

Special guests joined dozens of children and their family members. Adam Steele, SAU 39 superintendent, welcomed the attendees. Other speakers included State Senator Gary Daniels, Michele Terlizzi, community member of the RSEC Board of Directors and Lorraine Greer, director of Sunrise.

“We are so pleased to formally begin creating a brand new, high-quality playground and outdoor experiential classroom for our kids that will enhance their learning and enjoyment. We’re so appreciative to everyone who has supported this effort so far and will help make what was once a dream into reality,” Greer said.

Sunrise received a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Care Stabilization Program that will provide partial support for this special project. An active fundraising effort is currently underway. Those interested in supporting the effort should contact Lorraine Greer at lgreer@rsec.org.

Sunrise Children’s Center is a place for children to learn and grow in a caring environment. Located in Amherst, N.H., Sunrise is a home away from home for children ages six weeks to 10 years old (or fourth grade) through infant and toddler programs, full-day childcare services, preschool education and school-age programing. The center’s approach is developmental in nature. The curriculum is based on the fact that all children grow at their own pace and learn best by doing. Sunrise has brought together the best practices from early childhood education and special education to provide the best curriculum possible for children in the program.