Home Daycares in Lewiston

When I was growing up, I was always taking care of the younger kids in the family. Later, I went to boarding school, where I also helped care for the kids in younger grades—so I was really drawn to children right away! After I graduated from school, I taught second grade and worked as a social worker with low-income, at risk youth in India. Then, I had two children of my own, and I wanted to make sure they received a high-quality education. I also wanted to keep working in child care, so I decided I could achieve both goals by opening my own program in my home. It was a great decision—I love teaching the children in my program and supporting local families. I feel very lucky that I was able to discover my passion at such a young age and dedicate my entire life to working with young children! Being around kids motivates me to work harder every day. No other job can give you that.

I love kids, and I’ve always wanted to open a daycare. I have two kids who are older, and now I’m raising my granddaughter. Some of my passions include cooking and gardening, and I love seeing those activities through her eyes. She has learned a lot about taking care of plants and little details like cleaning up from watching me and helping me, and that feels so rewarding. I want to offer that same excitement and care to other kids as well. I speak English and Spanish and some Italian. In addition to sharing my passions with the children, I will share those languages with them as well.

We opened our doors in June of 1996, so I’ve been licensed and up and running for 24 years now! I earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) and also an Early Childhood Education Associate’s degree. I am a part of a provider’s food program, where we follow USDA guidelines and are subject to 3-4 unannounced monitoring visits per year. I’m also an Early Head Start provider, from whom I’m also subject to two unannounced monthly visits to ensure I am teaching the kids what they recommend. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC). So how did I get here? It began in high school, when I participated in a program teaching early childhood education. Even before then, as a little girl I’d always be playing teacher, taking the lead in taking care of the children that were around when we had company over. I decided to start my own program when I had children, because daycare was so expensive and working with children was something I loved to do and wanted to invest time into. I had experience, education (studying Early Childhood Education during undergraduate studies), a passion, and felt motivated by the ability to help my own children and the larger community of parents and kids. I love everything about kids, how can you not?! I love helping them build confidence in themselves and making learning fun. I take a lot of pride in building caring relationships with both the children and their caregivers. I value healthy communication and I strive to listen and not always offer advice! I am friendly, approachable, and have a deep knowledge and passion for the kids. I look at every child that walks into the door and see them as my own. I treat each child like I’d want my own to be treated. I want every parent to drop their child off and feel comfortable that their child is safe and well cared for. I put a lot of passion into what I do, and after over two decades of experience, I am proud of the program that I’ve built and the care I give to the children.

When it comes to childcare, a provider's experience and education can make all of the difference. I have my Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Salem State University. Over the past decade I have worked in various childcare settings. Aside from years of babysitting, my first childcare job was at a big center with children ranging from infants to school age. Over my four years there I spent time in each classroom acquiring a plethora of experience. Most importantly I was able to oversee and take part in my niece and nephew’s care as they attended. Family is very important to me and it meant so much to me to have such an influential role in their lives on a daily basis. I left the center to work as a nanny for three young boys while I finished up my degree. As a graduation requirement I was also spending time in two commercial childcare centers. When I graduated, I knew that working in a large childcare center was not for me. Post graduation I met a new family and worked as their nanny for four years. Nannying was a wonderful profession and I have developed strong relationships with the families I have worked for in the past. I was able to care for my nieces and nephews occasionally with my nanny children and create wonderful friendships amongst them. My nanny children became part of my family. While nannying, my continuing education became more focused on mindful practices and emotional intelligence through childhood development. It is my goal to run a program that incorporates the values of family and community while fostering child development and education. I am confident that my vast experience with children and educational background has prepared me for this next step in my career.