Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc: Celebrates 100 years, gives glimpse into the future

Media Contact: Todd McMahon, O’Connor Connective, todd@oconnorconnective.com, (920) 412-0114

 

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc. blew out the candles for a big birthday in a big way. In celebration of its centennial while also looking forward to next the 100 years, Encompass hosted a 100th birthday party Tuesday, Feb. 19, at its Bellin Health Center in Allouez.

 

The festivities included a city proclamation read by Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt and a proclamation from the State of Wisconsin, read by Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc. Foundation Board President Jonie Paye. Several community and school district partners that have been integral in Encompass’ first 100 years were recognized. Other dignitaries were in attendance, including longtime Encompass supporter Carol Bush, who shared memories about the multi-generational impact the organization has made with early childhood education and care for thousands of kids and their families in Greater Green Bay.

 

An added treat at Tuesday’s event was the unveiling of a logo depicting the future identity for Encompass. Kids and team members from Encompass wore T-shirts with the new logo.

 

“From our humble beginnings in 1919 to today, Encompass is one of the oldest and largest providers of early education and care in the country. I am so proud of our continuing commitment to provide the highest quality of early education to all children in Greater Green Bay, serving over 800 children each day,” says Sue Vincent, Encompass executive director.

 

“We look forward to our next 100 years of supporting this community and impacting generations of children not yet born,” Vincent adds. “With tremendous support from the community, our commitment to the well-being of children has never been greater as we enter our next century.”

 

The 100-year celebration event for Encompass came on its birthday. The organization started Feb. 19, 1919 — six months before the founding of the legendary Green Bay Packers football team — when the Catholic Woman’s Club opened its first center for early childhood education in Green Bay with one teacher and 14 kids. The concept for providing a safe and formative place for young children during the daytime came in response to women entering the workforce to support their families after World War I.

 

Since then, the organization evolved through a variety of affiliations with local nonprofits and name changes, including:

  • 1925 – Charter member of the Red Feather Agency, which became the United Way.
  • 1950 – The Service League of Green Bay takes over operations.
  • 1952 – Incorporation as the Green Bay Day Nursery, serving 25 children.
  • 1978 – Partnership with Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program.
  • 1987 – Opening of first corporate center, the Bellin Health Center, on Webster Avenue.
  • 1991 – Name changed from Green Bay Day Nursery to Encompass Child Care, Inc.

 

Today, the reach of Encompass extends throughout much of Brown County. Seven Encompass centers in Green Bay, Allouez, De Pere and Pulaski serve more than 1,300 kids, ages six weeks to 12 years old.

 

All Encompass centers are nationally accredited with the highest rating by Wisconsin’s child care quality system. Encompass is committed to educating the whole child. Certified, compassionate teachers prepare children and their families for a lifetime of success with a research-based curriculum that focuses on active learning and healthy social development.

 

Encompass also offers 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) at all of its centers in partnership with the Green Bay, Pulaski and West De Pere school districts.

 

“There’s nothing better than seeing the smiles of the kids as they play, learn and grow together,” says Carol Bush. She and her husband, Bob, have generously supported the mission and vision of Encompass for more than 65 years.

 

Carol famously says, “It’s for the children,” when the conversation turns to Encompass, which has hosted the popular family-themed The Big Event annually in Green Bay since 1988. This year’s The Big Event will be April 6 at Shopko Hall.

 

True to its name, the Encompass legacy is underscored by providing the highest quality of early education and care to all families with young children. Encompass supports families of all backgrounds and needs as it helps each child fulfill his or her potential.

 

“When working families who want to improve their lives are supported, as they are with tuition assistance and other aid at Encompass, they gain the confidence to take it the rest of the way,” says Laura Mossakowski, president of the Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc. Board of Directors and a former “Encompass kid.”

 

ABOUT ENCOMPASS 

Since 1919, Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc. has been the leader in caring for the children of Brown County, Wisconsin. Encompass serves more than 1,300 children from six weeks to 12 years old at seven centers in Green Bay and neighboring communities. Led by a highly educated and well-trained team of teachers, Encompass employs a research-based curriculum that fosters birth-to-5 development. All Encompass centers have attained the highest standards in early care and education, including accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and a 5-star YoungStar rating by the state of Wisconsin. All Encompass centers offer 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) programs in partnership with the Green Bay, Pulaski and West De Pere school districts. And Encompass supports working families in need of high-quality child care with a tuition-assistance program. To learn more, visit encompasseec.org.