For some parents, losing Wareham’s ABC Learning Center would have ended more than just playtime for their children.

“If the school had closed down, I wouldn't be able to work,” said Lisa Silva, a parent of a child who attends the preschool.

Instead, the Cape Cod Child Development Center was asked to buy ABC Learning Center, located at 21 Sandwich Road. It re-opened under new management and a new name – Cape Cod Child Development/Wareham – on Sept. 1. Since then, Cape Cod Child Development has made upgrades and improvements with more on the way. On Oct. 14, the daycare will host an open house giving the public a chance to see the changes and ask questions about enrollment.

“Helping children grow into healthy, productive members of our community is core to Cape Cod Child Development’s mission, and we want to reach as many children and families as possible,” said Anne Colwell, CEO of Cape Cod Child Development. “Now that we have added ABC Learning Center to our site offerings, we will be able to reach even more children in the Wareham area.”

The Hyannis-based nonprofit has had child care programs in Yarmouth and Falmouth for the past 40 years, and it has had programs in Wareham for the past 30 years, including a Head Start program located at 314 Onset Avenue. Head Start is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program that offers early childhood services for low-income children and their families.

Colwell noted that the town has been identified as an area with a significant need for affordable childcare. Currently, the preschool has 20 openings available for families that meet income eligibility requirements. For families that qualify, reduced rates are available, she said. Cape Cod Child Development accepts children ages birth to 5 years old.

Under new management, the preschool has seen renovations, playground equipment installed, instructional materials purchased and the addition of a new curriculum, said Paula Sorensen, the daycare's manager. The daycare remained open during the transition.

Right now, there are 15 children enrolled and seven teachers on staff. Of the staff, all have a bachelor’s degree or higher, noted Sorensen.

Preparing children for school is the center’s focus, said Sorensen, noting that it accomplishes that by having kids learn through play.

“It’s never too early to prepare children for success as they reach preschool and kindergarten,” said Sorensen.

From a parent’s perspective, Silva said the center has improved under the new owners.

“I was hesitant at first about the changes, but they have been very positive,” said Silva. “The classrooms are more age appropriate and my daughter’s speech has improved. She's using full, complete sentences. Even at home, she is taking turns and sharing."

For more information, call 508-775-6240 ext. 870 or visit www.cccdp.org.