Spotlight On: Square One

Our Member Relations Committee was pleased to surprise Square One as our September 2025 Member Spotlight Presented by Sunshine Village!

Square One is a nonprofit organization that focuses on early education support and care centers in Springfield, home-based care centers throughout greater Springfield, and out of school time care for elementary school age children. Their support services are unique to each child, parent, and family they serve. Square One’s focus is on social-emotional well-being, routine, stability, and community. Its roots go back to 1883, when Harriett Merriam, daughter of Charles Merriam of Merriam-Webster Dictionaries, founded Springfield Day Nurseries. Harriet saw a critical need for child care among the working families of Springfield and created Springfield Day Nursery to meet the community’s needs, which is now Square One.

Square One programs have a core focus on high-quality early education for children, nurturing the adults who care for children, and a safe, healthy, and thriving community they can live and grow in. Their programs provide a play-based environment, healthy meals and snacks, fitness and nutrition initiatives, therapy services, fine arts, and nationally accredited curriculums, all designed to set children on a path to success in health and wellness, school, and beyond. Square One focuses on the family, providing support for the little ones and their parents, as well. They provide Family Support Services, such as access to clothing and essential care items, parent education classes and workshops, education assistance and job training opportunities, job search and resume support, and more.

Currently Square One is in the midst of a capital campaign, "Back to Square One," restoring and rebuilding its home in the south end of Springfield.

Thank you, Square One, for caring so much for the community and continuing to cultivate laughter, joy and wonder for our future leaders!