by Len Levasseur
Executive Director

Serving the Greater Lawrence Area with childcare needs since 1985, KID-START, Inc. announces the opening of its new Child Care Center. The fully renovated facility is located at 444 Canal Street in Lawrence’s Pemberton Park in a neighborhood of mixed residential and commercial buildings. Not only is the new center located within the city, but also it is situated in pleasant, natural surroundings consisting of trees and parkland, with splendid views of the Merrimack River.

The spacious 14,500 square-foot facility has been specifically remodeled to accommodate children’s daily needs. The center features bright classrooms, a safe outdoor play space, a laundry station for cleaning clothes and sheets, and the latest, safest, and highest-quality children’s toys and equipment.

KID-START’s child care programs are based on the concept that children learn best through play. Thus, classrooms and play environments are arranged to encourage exploration and curiosity in a safely nurturing setting. The curriculum includes both structured and free-choice activities that include arts and crafts, music, creative movement, block play, and a children’s favorite, “imaginative play.” This innovative program gives children an opportunity to develop friendships while participating in large and small group activities.

Regular year-round field trips are also included in the agenda, such as apple picking in the fall or a trip to the Children’s Museum and a visit to an indoor playground during winter months. Naturally, a trip to a farm is always scheduled in the spring. In addition to these outings, special events occurring at the center include appearances by musicians, a magician, and a traveling aquarium.

KID-START is staffed with experienced, caring, and professional teachers, all of them qualified by the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services. Low teacher/child ratios provide a comfortable, secure, and nurturing atmosphere for learning. The center director, Diane Nutt, has worked for 24 years in the childcare field—10 of them as an in-home day care provider, and 14 years as a center-based teacher and director.

The teaching staff’s combined years of experience exceeds four decades. Many of the staff members are still pursuing college degrees; and all of them attend childcare workshops regularly. Thus, all staff members are current with the latest educational and care-related issues. Moreover, all teachers and staff are First Aid and CPR-trained and qualified.

Quality childcare is provided at the center for children from three months through pre-kindergarten. Parents are encouraged to visit the center periodically during the hours their children are being cared for. This standing invitation helps to assure peace of mind for both parents and children. The hours are from 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily; and transportation is available through Rainbow Kids Transportation. (State vouchers and contracts are accepted.)

Interested parents are invited to tour the KID-START Child Care Center during January Open House Month from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and a consulting staff member will be available to answer questions or assist in enrollment procedures. For more information, telephone (978) 686-7673.