City Forms Early Childhood Committee

The city of Melrose recently formed an Early Childhood Committee to provide a resource to parents and caregivers with children under the age of 5.

"As you may know, this is one of the city's fastest growing demographics, and I believe it is important to provide a centralized location of resources for this group of residents," said Mayor Rob Dolan in a press statement. 

The formation of the committee was identified as one of the city's biggest needs during the Our City focus groups, according to the statement. Thanks to the help of Alderman Lavender Bird and resident Gary Romano, goals have been established for the first year of the program which will be led by Melrose parent Andrew Schuyler, the statement notes.

During a recent press conference, Dolan outlined the three-pronged approach the committee will take in the near future, including focusing on community outreach, communication efforts and securing a meeting space. 

The committee will be sending out welcoming packets to all Melrose families with newborns that contain information about city resources they may be unfamiliar with, Dolan explained. 

The mayor said an email distribution signup would be created to provide early childhood programming and additional information.

As for a group space, Dolan said the city is working with the YMCA to create a place for local mom and dads group to meet.

"With the success of the Kids Club, averaging over 125 people per performance, and the feedback received during the Our City series for increased cit communication with this demographic, I am excited to begin the process of creating a continuum with Melrose residents," Dolan said in the statement.