Rainbow Child Development Center (RCDC) provides a safe haven for 250 of Worcester’s most at-risk children, aged 6 weeks to 13 years. The three programs - Family Child Care, Preschool, and Extended Learning School Age Program - are designed to give these children the positive experiences they need to grow and thrive. The Center’s staff and community partners collaborate to offer innovative programs that help to improve the lives of children and their families. Each program is tailored to the individual needs of each child, and helps to build self-esteem and academic success. The Center also offers a variety of healthy lifestyle and nutrition programs, such as cooking classes and gardening projects. Last summer, preschoolers were able to enjoy a harvest of tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash, and broccoli that they had planted and cared for themselves. The after-school program also featured a nutrition series facilitated by the UMass Food Extension Program. RCDC is an invaluable resource for the City of Worcester, providing a high return on investment for the community.