From the Director: 2026 Changes, Part 2
Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center
August 2026
Dear Center Families,
As we start to conclude our summer programming and gear up for the new school year, I have decided once again to write a letter in lieu of my shorter monthly newsletter contribution to update you on our progress as it relates to one of the five primary goals we are focusing on strategically. In my January letter to families, I discussed how we are “repositioning” our property into a “purpose-driven building and grounds.” (For our families who are new, or for those of you who would like to reference my January 2026 letter, please visit the “Announcements” tab on our website From the Director: 2026 Changes — The Children's Center | Wolfeboro, New Hampshire).
Much has happened in the past six months, including the completion of the Wetlands Learning Garden (and its ribbon-cutting), funds raised from NH Gives for the small corner area off the baby room deck (to now include non-toxic turf material and eco-friendly sensory surfaces), installation of updated cabinetry in the Jungle Cubs classroom (with Busy Bees up next), completion of the design phase, technical reviews, and planning board approval of the building addition, plus the selection of a builder. We have also hired a new center director, Karen Sanders, who has jumped in as a collaborative partner with me and the coordinators to ensure that the quality of our programs aren’t impacted as I turn my attention to the implementation of all the building and grounds plans we will be accomplishing through 2027 and into 2028.
The start of truly exciting changes will soon be unfolding. While some (like the installation of the infant turf area planned for this fall) will be seamless to our staff, families, and operations, adding onto the front of our building will require us to adjust how we access the building for a period of about nine months. We have been working with town officials, Northeast Security, LDa Architecture & Interiors, and the construction manager from Milestone Construction, LLC to determine how best we will physically complete this project while keeping everyone’s safety at the forefront and without disrupting our normal daily operations. This has been a daunting task, yet with the right planning and thoughtful coordination with our partners, I am feeling confident that we are ready to proceed forward. While I don’t have an exact date, groundbreaking will likely occur in September!
As such, I want to let you know generally about the three bigger changes that are coming:
- First, the grading, repaving, and expanding of our parking lot in the back (that was originally scheduled for the spring), will be happening over several weekends this month. As that project is nearing completion, I will email you where families will be able to utilize new designated parking spots (along the side of the building and in front of the basketball court area for school age pick up). There will be a slightly different layout, including crosswalks and a sidewalk. Stay tuned!
- At the end of the month, we will be fencing off the current front door access, including the parking out front. The new, temporary entrance for the duration of the construction period will be on the lower level, specifically the double green doors on the side of the building. We have already added cameras, and a pin pad for secure access to the building is being installed. We are also looking to hire a receptionist for the prime opening and closing hours.
- As we prepare for the work out front, and close down the front door egress, we will be creating a temporary emergency exit (off my office area), for staff and children who are on the main floor.
In the weeks ahead, I will be sharing more details on the specific timing and logistics so that you are prepared for the kickoff of the new school year. Please plan to check your email regularly for these communications. Given construction will certainly prompt many questions, I plan to host a Q&A via Zoom towards the end of summer and then again early fall for anyone who would like to receive more “face to face” communications about this project. I will also keep you informed of the progress we are making as we move through the next nine months, bringing to life our vision of having a slightly expanded footprint so that we can better deliver all the services we provide.
As always, if along the way, you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know. Until then, enjoy the rest of the summer!
With kind regards,
Teri Ann Cox, Executive Director
