The first Lighthouse Learning Center was founded in 2001 by Richard & Melanie Reilly of Mattapoisett. Jane Lees, then Director of our New Bedford facility, approached Richard Reilly (her brother) to purchase a childcare service located in New Bedford that was having financial trouble. After one month of ownership, the center was well on its way and has continued to do well ever since. The New Bedford center services many families who cannot afford childcare and assists them with vouchers and other financial programs.
In August 2002, the Reilly’s purchased another site in their home town, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, after observing the need for quality childcare for families in the surrounding towns. After many months of renovations, the Mattapoisett center, previously a nursing home, opened in August of 2003. With wonderful, dedicated teachers and staff, the school has continued to grow and provide the best quality care for children and families.