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Caring for the future
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Anonymous user Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:11:44 PST
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0 responses 0 comments I am the mother of two wonderful boys, Chris, almost 12, and Jordan, 22 months. I always try my best as a mom to raise happy, healthy children.

But my husband and I don't do it alone. In today's society, many parents do not have the LUXURY (yes, it is a luxury) to be stay-at-home moms or dads. Most of us work full time, and that means that we need child care.

The word “child care” made me very uncomfortable when I associated it with my own children. It meant that I needed to rely on someone else to physically and emotionally care for my child, eight hours a day, five days a week.

I'll admit, I am a bit of a control freak, especially when it comes to my kids, so I knew this was going to be very difficult for me.

With Chris, we're very lucky to have my mother's help. She keeps an eye on him after school each day. However, where Jordan was concerned, as much as I didn't like the idea, I had to start looking for full-time care.

I began my search last August in the Southwest area. I checked out several places, from large centers to small in-home daycare operations.

I was disappointed. I didn't feel that they were what I would consider to be best for my son.

However, these centers were acceptable to many parents, since most were at –– or close to –– full capacity.

I started questioning myself. Was I being too picky? Why couldn't I make a decision?

This turned out to be harder that I thought. I had seen all my options, and nothing felt right.

What was I going to do?

Desperate to find something better, I began talking to people everywhere I went. I spoke to people at the grocery store, the cleaners –– anywhere and everywhere. I asked them where they sent their children and how they felt about it.

This is how I found St. John's Children's Center –– through a referral.

The center itself was amazing. They had just opened the doors to a brand-new, beautiful facility. Everything was new, safe and clean. The classrooms were filled with plenty of toys, puzzles, books, etc. There is a separate playground for the littlest ones with push-bikes, a sand box, water play tables and a jungle-gym that is just right for toddlers. I loved it.

Next came the scary part. Would I trust the staff to provide the best care possible for my son?

I spoke with the director, Janice Riese-O'Rourke, about my concerns and she was very understanding. She assured me that her staff was made up of excellent teachers, and that the center provides the teachers with continual training. She let me know that she personally meets with all of the parents to learn how she and the staff can best support the children, emotionally, developmentally and physically.

It was comforting to know that she saw my son as an individual –– a unique person, not just another kid that should be placed in a classroom with other kids his age.

St. John's also assigns each child a primary caregiver to give them a greater feeling of stability. The primary caregiver is the one responsible for diapering, helping them with lunches and snacks, and giving them their basic care every day. There are always other teachers and aides available for additional support in the classrooms, as well.

The next step was for me to meet the teachers. I brought Jordan along to take a look around and he loved it! This was it!

Jordan has been a student at St. John's for eight months now. From the very first day he spent there, the staff has made him feel at home. And that is what great child care is: their home away from home where they can feel comfortable to learn and play.

The teachers have exceeded my expectations. Many of the teachers are mothers themselves, and they understand how difficult it is for us as parents to rely on them to guide our children when we can't be there. They have and show respect for the children, the parents and the Lord. The whole center is filled with teachers and administrators who LOVE the kids. They all get involved in caring for the children.

I love them for it. It shows all over my son's face that he loves them, too. He has convinced me of this, because now every evening when I pick him up Jordan is very happy to see me, but before we can leave he has to give hugs to everyone, especially his afternoon teacher, “ROOF” (Ruth)!

If you are a parent who is looking for childcare, my suggestion is to look at as many centers as possible and ask a lot of questions! It may happen after several visits to different centers, but one day you will walk in to that special place and it will be just right for your child.

Don't lose hope! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Thank you, St. John's Children's Center, for being ours!

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