With more than 40 years of dedicated service, Riverfront Children’s Center remains a cornerstone of support for families in Groton. What began as a grassroots childcare initiative by working parents at Electric Boat has grown into a fully-accredited early learning program. Today, Riverfront provides optimized, individualized care and education for children from 12-weeks-old through kindergarten — laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
What is the mission of your organization?
At Riverfront Children’s Center, our mission is simple but powerful: provide high-quality, affordable childcare and education so every child can start life with strong roots and every family can grow toward their goals. We believe that a safe, nurturing classroom can change the course of a child’s future.
What do you love about your organization?
It’s the laughter you hear when you walk through the door. The way teachers kneel at eye level with a child to celebrate a new skill. The way staff and families greet each other by name. We love that Riverfront is both a learning center and a second home, where passion for early childhood education meets genuine care for each family’s journey.
How do you serve the community you represent?
We care for and educate children from all walks of life, many from families working hard to make ends meet. For some, we’re the first stepping stone toward kindergarten. For others, we’re a lifeline — offering nutritious meals, developmental support, and connections to housing, health care, and family resources. We meet needs both in and beyond the classroom.
How has Chelsea Groton supported the organization?
Chelsea Groton has been more than a bank; they’ve been a neighbor. Chelsea Groton Foundation grants have helped keep tuition within reach for working families, and the Bank’s team has shown up to events, cheered us on, and invested in the success of our programs. Their support is visible in every classroom, every day.
What do you love most about the organization’s community?
Our community has heart. We see it when a parent volunteers to read to a class, when local businesses pitch in for supplies, or when a neighbor drops off warm coats for winter. There’s a sense of “we’re in this together” that makes our work not only possible, but joyful.
