Marcia Lovell was a friend and dedicated advocate for the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences. Marcia cared deeply about young children and their families, and worked diligently to support healthy, responsive systems. Through her quiet persistence Marcia’s actions demonstrated her commitment to providing quality early education to all children, including those with disabilities, those at most
risk for being excluding from child care, or unable to participate in community settings.

Marcia earned her Masters degree in early childhood leadership at Wheelock College in Boston. She worked at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care and Head Start, where she was a program specialist with more than 20 years experience in the field of early care and education. Marcia was instrumental in the development of many early childhood programs and initiatives in the state of Maine. As an advocate and leader in early childhood education, Marcia embraced the philosophy of inclusive education and worked first-hand to address the needs of individual children and families, seeking childcare for children with special needs.

Marcia played a pivotal role in pulling together a group of people in 1996 to “share stories,” and learn from and with parents about their experiences and challenges finding and keeping child care for their children. Through this collaborative effort, Child Care Plus Maine was created in 2000. Marcia’s support, dedication, and clear vision shaped the project goals. Through Marcia’s forward thinking and unwavering commitment, Child Care Plus ME is available today to provide technical assistance and training to Maine’s early care and education providers to enable them to serve all children, including children with disabilities or challenging medical or behavioral needs.

Marcia understood and believed that all people belong. When confronted with a situation she could influence, Marcia would simply make it happen. We have lost a good friend, colleague, and advocate but Marcia’s work and support live on. Marcia’s family has requested that remembrance donations be made to the Early stARTS program, in care of the Maine Arts Commission. Donations by check should be made payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine” with a note in the memo field, “Marcia Lovell Fund.” Please mail donations to Maine Arts Commission, 193 State Street, 25 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0025. For more information, contact Bryan W. Knicely at 207/287-2714 or bryan.knicely@maine.gov.

—Linda Labas

CENTERPOINT: The Newsletter of The University of Maine
Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies,
Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, and Service