Expansion Set For JCB Early Childhood Development

JCB, the world’s largest privately owned heavy equipment manufacturer, today unveiled an expansion to the Lady Bamford Center for Early Childhood Development near JCB’s North American Headquarters in Savannah, GA. This additional classroom will add more than 1,000 square feet of space and expand the school’s capacity from 58 to 78 children.

Operated by Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, and located at 1410 Richard Street in West Savannah, the Lady Bamford Center provides education and social skills development to children from six weeks to five years of age. The Center offers priority admission to children from homeless and low-income families, as well as children with physical, mental or emotional challenges. Its interactive curriculum prepares young children for kindergarten and elementary school and helps them compete with other children academically. Recently, the Lady Bamford Center was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Fewer than eight percent of all early childhood centers in the United States receive this prestigious honor.

“Since we opened our doors in October 2007, we’ve dedicated ourselves to serving the needs of families and young children—particularly those with special challenges,” said Lady Bamford. “Right now, there are more than 100 names on the Center’s waiting list. I’m so very pleased that this expansion will allow us to offer more children the opportunity to build a strong foundation for future success in school and throughout their lives.”

As the wife of JCB owner and chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, Lady Bamford has dedicated her adult life to helping disadvantaged children worldwide. She has served as President of her local chapter of the U.K.’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) since 1984, and she also serves as Vice Chairman of NSPCC’s “FULL STOP” Campaign combating child abuse. Lady Bamford’s vision is to help children and families in every community where JCB maintains a manufacturing facility.

“When JCB opened its Savannah facility back in 2000, Lady Bamford immediately began developing a plan to help the children in this part of the world,” said John Patterson, chairman and CEO of JCB North America. “Her tireless efforts have had a tremendously positive impact, not just upon the children themselves, but upon their families and the entire community. We’re extremely pleased that our donation will continue to assist Lady Bamford’s admirable endeavors.”