"Leave my child with a stranger? No way!" That is definitely the first thought that every new parent has when considering child care. Two children and five-and-a-half years and later, we can definitely say that the teachers at KinderCare are far from strangers. They have been such a huge influence in both of our kids' daily lives. The teachers and staff at the center have been responsible for helping them grow, shaping who they are, and keeping them safe. It is so important knowing that you can trust the teachers and caregivers that you leave your child with daily and it's reassuring knowing that within no time, they are like part of your family. Both our kids and us value the special connections we have made through KinderCare.

We moved to Acton about two years ago and one of my biggest stressors was finding a daycare for my two children. After I toured the Hayward Road KinderCare with Helena Prentiss, the Center Director, and met some of the teachers, I left knowing that my children would be cared for, loved and valued here. I could feel that Helena and her teachers had created something special. Two years later, I was right! If you ask my three-year-old what he likes most about school, he just starts naming his teachers: “Elena, Jen, Andrea, Nancy, Debbie, Stephanie, Carrie, Barbara…” and on it goes. Any teacher who is there at the end of the day gets a big smile, hug, and goodbye from him—he clearly loves them, and I can see they love him too. Yes it is important that he learns his ABC’s, his colors and numbers, and he is, but that his teachers also show him through their actions and words that he is special and valued provides him the foundation for developing his own self-confidence and sense of self-worth and that is invaluable. To me it’s what excellent teachers do. I could go on with many examples of how Helena and her staff have supported my whole family, in times of work crises, family emergencies and medical scares. But suffice it to say that the Hayward Road KinderCare is a community of support, love and care that I am grateful, and proud my family is part of.

Okay, I don’t really know how this KinderCare facility retains its teachers and staff, but I can tell you how grateful the students’ families are that it does! While we may not know what the ingredients are, it’s apparent that there is a certain chemistry and level of standards at this facility that lifts up the students and the teachers and encourages them to stay at that higher level. I can’t think of a single teacher there who has taken the easy road when she was tired or having a hard day. The level of effort and professionalism is really incredible, especially compared to other workplaces I’ve observed that had far fewer challenges. There is the appreciation I have for Kristin’s cooking class, when I find myself chopping apples (for what seems like hours) in order to replicate those cute little mini apple pies the following weekend. There is the appreciation I have for each of the teachers that my daughter has had the good fortune to be associated with. There is the excellent advice that is always available when I need help with a behavioral or learning pattern. The staff and teachers have to deal with a wide range of personalities among the students and parents, and they do that consistently and kindly. I’m sure there are lots of special requests and “Did you know that…?” conversations from parents, and the staff and teachers are accommodating but honest, based on their years of experience. I hope that the annual Teacher Appreciation Week gives you a sense of how much the parents appreciate wonderful teachers like you! Lastly, I want to confirm that first impressions during daycare center tours are very important, and in this case they were also correct. Before visiting this KinderCare, I had visited four other centers (after leaving a center because of one grumpy teacher who was, unfortunately, the main “greeter” for parents every morning). I loved the wide range of teacher ages I saw at KinderCare, because it gives you that combination of experience and new ideas. I also liked the fact that the teachers seemed genuine, and didn’t drop everything to come talk to me. They did talk to me, of course, but they were still taking care of the children, and it didn’t look like a performance for visitors. That first impression has proven true through the past 3.5 years: the staff and teachers are genuine but honest, and give it their all every day. Many of you are parents as well, so you know what I mean when I say “it means the world to know your child is in excellent hands”. I have a hard time imagining what it will be like when my daughter moves on to Kindergarten, but I know it will involve a lot of gratitude, excitement and sadness.