Our History

The Family Center of Washington County originated, over 49 years ago, as part of Vermont College of Norwich University’s Early Childhood Program in 1972. A laboratory preschool offered students hands-on experience working in a child care setting under the supervision of trained faculty and staff.

In 1986, the Washington County Parent Child Center started as an independent non-profit, with offices in Barre, offering playgroups and parent outreach programs. In 1990, these two different organizations merged under Vermont College auspices.

In 1993, when Norwich University decided to discontinue its Education Department, an ad hoc committee of parents, community members and administrators determined that the child development and family support programs offered were too valuable for the community to lose. As a result the Family Center was established as an independent non-profit organization in 1994.