Change is stressful; nobody likes change. Yet, progress always comes about as result of change… moving on… adapting to the world around us and changing times.
Successful change comes about by viewing it as an opportunity to move forward based on new ideas and creative options.
There’s an old saw that comes to mind: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade", the proverbial phase used to inspire optimism and a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
Local case in point: About a year and a half ago, the Church of St. Dominic in Southington was confronted with a quandary: What to do about the space vacated in the merger of its Catholic elementary school into a new Southington Catholic School, a merger that was part of the establishment of a regional rather than parochial school model.
St. Dominic Pastor, Fr. Ronald May, met with his staff and invited parishioners to form a study group as to how to best utilize classroom space. After considering several options, the thought of a child care center emerged. Everyone liked it. It was the right move. It was within the mission and vision of the church: nurturing newborn infants to five-year-olds in their most vital formative years, in a commodious and safe environment. Conversion of the classrooms in one campus building was completely remodeled as a modern, state of the art, suite of rooms with appropriate furnishings and facilities. Simultaneously, the staff moved forward taking the multiple necessary steps in establishing its credentials and certifications for a day care center through the required state and town departments and the Archdiocese of Hartford and finally the search for an excellent, accomplished director/head teacher, Michelle Keeley and one teacher.
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| Allison, 9 months |
“The school opened on Monday, October 10th.”, said Sharon Ayotte, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor and project coordinator. Ayotte said, “We have ten additional children enrolled as of the first of the year and we will have a total of 35 children by mid-January and Michelle (Keeley) is recruiting new teachers smoothly in step with the growth of enrollments.” Keeley has resided in Southington for the past ten years and has been in the field of child care for twelve years. “Michelle is certified by the State of Connecticut and comes highly recommended to us by her former employers.”, Ayotte said.
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| Carson. 2-1/2 |
Parents told us: “St. Dominic Child Care has been a blessing to our family."
"Hard as it is to leave my son every day, I know he’s in good hands with people who truly care about him. They’re actively engaged with each of the children in such a loving yet professional manner."
“Our grandson began in October. We’ve been so pleased with his experience. Michelle, the director, is knowledgeable and caring and the staff is so responsible to and supportive of the children."
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| Emily, 12 months |
"There's nothing more precious to us than our child We’re happy with our decision to entrust our daughter to St. Dominic Child Care Center.”The Center continues to accept applications for January 1st with hours of operation Monday thru Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. Inquire further at 860-628-4678 or ChildCare@SaintDominicChurch.com.
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| Teacher, Shelly, showing pictures and reading to Gavin, 1-1/2 and Madeline, 1-1/2 |
St. Dominic is well on its way to a successful transition while bringing a high priority, vital service to Southington and surrounding communities for parents working here or nearby.
A Child has a way of bringing
Special Joy to each day!
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| Teacher Kristina with Luke, four months |
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