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ATTLEBORO - Markman Children's Programs welcomed state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, for a visit to the preschool program this week.

Poirier recently lent her support to House Bill 4706, which resulted in the continuation of Universal pre-kindergarten funding through the state. As a result, Markman Children's Programs was again awarded a grant of $40,000, for quality improvement and commitment to early child care preschool programs.

Poirier visited classrooms, met with staff to hear more about all the child care programs, and learned of agency's goals, including plans to build a new child care center.

In related news, Markman Children's Programs, which serves 250 children in the greater Attleboro community, has recently embarked upon expansion of its board of directors.

Paul Leveilee, vice president at Sovereign Bank, joined the board in February, while former Attleboro Mayor Judith Robbins joined in April. In addition, Anne Nakshian, who was on the original board of directors when the agency was established in 1972 and a past president, was welcomed back in May, and Cheryl McCormick, the branch manager at Nations Heritage Federal Credit Union, joined in June.

Markman Children's Programs is currently in a capital campaign to build a 25,000-square-foot facility in Attleboro.

Anyone interested in additional information is invited to call Executive Director Dianne Bardsley at 508-226-0282, or visit www.MarkmanChildrensPrograms.org.