The center's quality extends to its staff, which includes degreed teachers, and the types of programs taught, which stimulate children's learning abilities. The low ratio of children to teachers and other caregivers is also a plus. The price of the center's services, which include meals and diapers, also ranges, depending on the child's age. With parents just a block away, parental involvement is another benefit. The center plans lunches with parents, and breast-feeding moms often come in to nurse their children.
Parents also serve as story-time readers or presenters of their expertise or culture.
As a result of the center's educational philosophy, professional staff and parental involvement, it's no wonder the center always has a waiting list of children wanting to attend. Devine said women often add their names to the waiting list before getting pregnant. Tracy Banach is one of those mothers who got on the waiting list early. Banach has worked at the center as a teacher for 13 years. She said she enjoys the comfort level of having her child nearby.