I‘ll never forget the day I dropped my then eight-week old daughter at the child care center for the first time.
Back in 2001, I was a first-time mom returning to my 40-50 hour a week job at a dot-com. My company offered eight weeks of paid maternity leave and even though my heart said it was far too soon for me to leave my precious baby in the care of a virtual stranger, I had to go back to work. I remember the child care staff gently prying my daughter from my arms as I sobbed uncontrollably. A sopping mess, I returned to my car – barely able to get my shaky hands to shove the key in the ignition. I called my husband from my cell phone and cried like a blubbering baby about the injustice of it all, and then went to work with blood-shot eyes and a broken heart.
I have three kids now. I still work, albeit for myself now. And the feelings I had back in 2001 don’t fade no matter how old my kids get, or how much more experience I gain as a working mom. When another person cares for my child, I always wonder:
- Will my child be safe – physically and emotionally?
- Will my child be taught values and knowledge that I know are important?
- Will my child feel significance, confidence and love while in the care of another person?
The decision to place your child(ren) in child care is a difficult decision for many working moms. You’ll likely have similar concerns as mine, and many unique questions of your own. The good news is that there are quality child care options for your children.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a special Mom Mixer hosted by the Primrose School in Peoria, AZ. A special thank you to Maria Bailey of BSM Media for coordinating the great event that brought together influential moms in the community with a terrific, high-quality child care facility.
In my 8+ years as a working mother, I’ve had the pleasure (and angst) of having all three of my children in various forms of child care. Some were very good, others were downright appalling. Regardless, I wish I had known about Primrose School as an option.
Primrose Schools offers a high-quality, educational child-care through their accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum, which enables each child to thrive and grow through learning, play, self-esteem and character development—all in a safe, nurturing environment. But beyond this, the most compelling and unique part of Primrose Schools is ownership.
Each of the Primrose Schools is individually owned by top-notch franchisees. Most child care centers are managed and led a Director, or employee, which isn’t inherently bad. But there is a distinct difference between a person who works for a company and one who owns it. I saw this difference as I mingled and got to know a few of the owners – Karen Vilardi, Kathy Seifert and Heather Legeza. Each of these women showed a passion and commitment to the quality of their respective schools. Beyond this, they cared deeply about the experience of the children and families who are a part of Primrose Schools.
Bottom Line: Quality child care matters and Primrose Schools has figured out the formula.
The Primrose Schools around the U.S. are open for enrollment now. So whether you have an immediate need or are making plans for summer, I encourage you to contact a school for a tour. I’m sure you’ll be as impressed as I am! Simply visit www.primroseschools.com to find a location near you.
p.s. To see an inside view of the Primrose School, visit my post on Examiner.com that has a photo slideshow!
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Wow! Great article! You should do well with your freelance career!