FALL RIVER — It’s been a vision a decade in the making, although local leaders and educators have known the importance of early childhood education for 20 years. 

On Wednesday, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the $13.5 million state-of-the-art People Incorporated Early Education Center on Weaver Street that, when completed in 2025, will serve up to 213 infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  

“It will provide more jobs for educators and will foster strategic partnerships in the community, thereby helping to transform a landscape of early education in our city,” said Megan Stirk, president and CEO of People Inc. 

A collaboration with the city to provide early education, Stirk said it will “lead to long-term academic success."

Read more from Jo C. Goode at heraldnews.com.