YMCA of Greater Providence Selected as Provider Partner for Manton Heights Early Childhood Education Center Funded by Amica and Boston Celtics
The partnership strengthens investment in early childhood education, building on the YMCA of Greater Providence’s experience in the region
The new early childhood education center in Providence, funded by Amica Insurance and the Boston Celtics and in partnership with the Providence Housing Authority, has reached another milestone as it announces the Greater Providence YMCA as the facility’s administrator and provider partner.
Last year, the Amica Companies Foundation and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation announced their plans to fund the renovations and opening of a new early childhood education center in the Manton Heights community in the Olneyville neighborhood. Plans for the center were shared at a groundbreaking ceremony last August attended by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, Celtics President Rich Gotham, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Amica Insurance President and CEO Ted Shallcross, Executive Director of Providence Housing Authority Melissa Sanzaro, and community members from across Rhode Island.
Once complete, the Manton Heights Early Childhood Education Center will include one preschool classroom and two toddler rooms, with capacity to annually serve up to 42 children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years old. The Center is designed to expand access to early childhood education and provide an inclusive, education-rich child care experience.
“At Amica, empathy is at the heart of everything we do, from how we serve our policyholders to how we show up here in our home state of Rhode Island and beyond,” said Amica President and CEO Ted Shallcross. “By investing in early childhood education in Manton Heights, we’re proud to create opportunity where it’s needed most, strengthening the foundation for families to thrive. We thank the Celtics and the Providence Housing Authority for their continued partnership in this important effort, and we look forward to working with the YMCA of Greater Providence as we get closer to opening the doors on this new facility.”
The project is the newest addition to Celtics United, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation’s social justice fund.
“Access to high-quality early childhood education can make a meaningful difference for families and communities,” said Boston Celtics Team President Rich Gotham. “Working alongside Amica and the Providence Housing Authority, this center will help expand those opportunities in Providence while supporting young learners and their families.”
The YMCA of Greater Providence was selected as the provider partner for this new facility following a competitive bid process administered by the Providence Housing Authority. The YMCA currently operates three successful early education centers: Mount Hope Childcare Center in Providence, Rhode Island; SCY Childcare Center in South Kingstown, Rhode Island; and Kid’s World in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
“We are honored to serve as the provider partner for the Manton Heights early childhood education center and to help bring this important investment to life for Providence families,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA. “The YMCA has been serving the Greater Providence community for more than 170 years, and we know that high-quality early childhood education can shape a child’s confidence, curiosity and long-term success. Our approach is rooted in what matters most in the early years: play, socialization, nurturing relationships, and strong learning experiences that help children build language, independence, and the skills they need to thrive. We also believe in a holistic approach to whole family health and wellness, because when children are supported and families are connected to the resources they need, communities are stronger. We are excited to partner with the Providence Housing Authority, Amica and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation to create a place where children can learn, grow and belong from day one.”
The YMCA plans to staff the center with an administrator, an education director, three lead teachers, three full-time and three part-time teacher assistants, two part-time substitutes, and a family liaison to serve as a bridge between school, home and other community supports.
The opening of the yet unnamed early childhood education center is the first step in what Amica and the Celtics view as a long-term, joint effort to increase access to early education across the New England region. In addition to funding this center, the partners plan to begin accepting grant applications from regional education providers in the coming months.
The center is expected to officially open to families and children in late 2026.
Learn more at https://www.nba.com/celtics/community/early-education
About Amica Insurance
Founded in 1907, Amica Mutual Insurance Company is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and is the oldest mutual automobile insurer in the United States, offering auto, home, life and umbrella insurance policies nationwide. With $5.9 billion in assets and over 3,500 employees, Amica creates peace of mind and builds enduring relationships with its customers across the country, protecting what’s most important to them.
Amica’s award-winning customer service is rooted in empathy and compassion. The company has been recognized with more than 65 J.D. Power awards, including #1 rankings in customer satisfaction among homeowners and rental insurance providers in 2025. Amica has also been named one of America’s Best Insurance Companies by Forbes for five consecutive years and holds an A+ rating for financial stability from AM Best.
Learn more at Amica.com.