Registration is now open for Ms. Martha’s home daycare in Dedham, MA, a licensed bilingual child care program launching this spring. Patico’s provider, Ms. Martha Conlon, brings decades of experience to her new venture, which will provide in-demand and high-quality child care to the Dedham community.
“Ever since I was a girl, I have always loved caring for children,” says Ms. Martha. “It comes naturally to me, so I am thrilled to now be opening my own daycare.”
Originally from Bogota, Columbia, Ms. Martha has worked as a nanny for over ten years in Dedham and the surrounding areas. “As a nanny, I have had the incredible opportunity to watch children grow and to connect families,” Ms. Martha explains. “Now with my own program, I want to do more of that—help families create a community and support system.”
Ms. Martha says Patico’s daily activities will be shaped around each child’s unique interests. “I guess my style is sort of ‘old school,” Ms. Martha laughs. “I want to create a space where children can just be children. Families today face so much stress; in my daycare, time will slow down.”
Ms. Martha explains that Patico Home Daycare will offer open-ended activities and playtime that prepare children for school, while also allowing opportunity for self-expression. “I love to watch children improvise,” says Ms. Martha. “I often introduce a game, and then see where the children take it. They usually come up with the most interesting and funny things. And that’s so beautiful—letting a child figure something out on her own and discover her voice.”
Ms. Martha’s child care style and expertise come highly praised by the families she has worked with over the years. “We first met Ms. Martha when my daughter was just seven months old,” says Stephanie Jernigan, who hired Ms. Martha to care for her two children nearly ten years ago. “Ms. Martha soon became an integral part of our family. I loved that my kids grew up speaking Spanish, and I was always amazed by her energy and patience. Even on the days the kids were driving me nuts, Ms. Martha found a way to connect with them!”
Patico Home Daycare will open as a licensed Family Child Care (FCC) program in Ms. Martha’s Dedham home. FCCs are regulated and licensed by Massachusetts’ Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which requires providers to undergo trainings on childhood development, as well as health and safety focused on in-home child care. Each licensed Family Child Care provider undergoes a thorough home inspection and a three-part background check, and they must maintain current pediatric CPR & First Aid certificates. In addition, EEC Licensors perform unannounced site visits on programs.
Ms. Martha has transformed her home into a bright and engaging child care environment (view photos). With a playground directly across the street, daily activities will include a mix of indoor, play-based learning and gross motor activities outdoors.
Ms. Martha explains that opening her own child care program has always been a dream, and she credits the launch of Patico Home Daycare to her partnership with NeighborSchools. “I’ve always been intimidated by the paperwork and regulations surrounding setting up a program,” says Ms. Martha. “NeighborSchools has been such an amazing help and allowed me to focus on the things I love, like preparing my space and activities.”
Patico Home Daycare, opening in Dedham
Patico Home Daycare is now accepting applications for one infant and up to five toddlers. Interested parents can contact Ms. Martha and schedule a program visit directly on the Patico Home Daycare NeighborSchools profile. With limited space, families should act quickly to secure a spot. “Ms. Martha has been such a positive presence in our lives,” says Stephanie, stressing Ms. Martha’s unique ability to relate to both children and parents. “I couldn’t more highly recommend her.”
Ms. Martha says she is excited to meet local families and help parents manage their child care responsibilities. “Being a child care provider is not just a job for me, it’s a calling,” says Ms. Martha. “Caring for children and families is my passion.”
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NeighborSchools partners with experienced educators to launch world-class licensed Family Child Care programs. In supporting the creation of more small-scale child care programs, NeighborSchools helps increase access to high-quality programs. Children benefit from lower ratios, greater continuity of care, and a nurturing home environment. Parents can discover and build a relationship with a Provider located right in their neighborhood. Providers get to launch the program of their dreams and earn a living wage, while working hands-on with young children every day.
