Imagine Worcester #98 Dianne Bruce and Eve Gilmore

Virginia Swain is the host of Imagine Worcester and the World, your source for local and global interviews with peacemakers around the world. Virginia's guests are Dianne Bruce and Eve Gilmore from Edward Street Child Services.
Play is the work of children. As more attention is focused on school readiness many parents are seeking ways to prepare children for school. Too often we see well meaning adults focus on skill and drill academic preparation. While such activities may be appropriate for older children, young children develop across all developmental domains through active play. Dianne is the Executive Director of Edwards Street has led the organization since late 2003. She has overseen the change from a direct service provider to a capacity building organization. Prior to that she was the Director of Planning and Community Development with United Way of Central Massachusetts where she oversaw the Success By 6 initiative (no longer operating locally). She has been on the Executive Committee of Together For Kids (a nationally recognized initiative bringing mental health services to childcare centers) since its inception. Other relevant experience includes: President of the Board of St. Mary Healthcare; Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Worcester Public Library; Past Provider Chair of Worcester Community Connections Coalition; Executive Committee of Latin American Health Alliance; Leadership Council of Common Pathways (Community Wellness Coalition); Steering Committee of Worcester Family and Community Partnership for Children; Steering Committee of Strategies for Children Eve has been with the organization for 10 years. Her past experience included managing the Success By 6 initiative for the United Way of Portland. She was Assistant Executive Director of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts where she oversaw the successful National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation of the childcare center. Other relevant experience includes: President of the Board of the Regional Environmental Council; President of the Board of Jewish Family Services; Co-President of the Worcester Area Association for the Education of Young Children; Board of Directors of Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative for Children