The Children’s Center in Suffolk is one of the most important institutions we have for helping give at-risk children a good start on life.

It has grown from a Sunday school classroom in 1983 to now serving eight locations today. It’s an institution with 200-plus employees, serving generations of children since it opened its doors.

This week, the center named Rosalind Cutchins as executive director. She is replacing longtime director Barbara Mease, who retired last month, and Cutchins has big shoes to fill.

Based on her track record, though, The Children’s Center is in good hands. Cutchins has been the program director since the center began in 1983. She holds a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. And, in her own words, she has learned from the best.

Cutchins has been with the organization for the entire 30 years it has existed. She said, “For the past 30 years, I have learned from the best. I hope to continue in that tradition.”

Folks in Suffolk have good reason to hope and expect the fine tradition to continue.

The Children’s Center’s services include those for children ages birth to 3 and pregnant women, Head Start services children ages 3 and 4, early intervention services to infants and toddlers with delays in their development, licensed pediatric therapy and mental health services, and licensed early care and education for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age.

Research has shown just how important these early years are to a child’s development, and we hope to see the continued success that the center has displayed over the past 30 years in the future.