Parenting and Child Care Needs and Resources in the 2020s and the Past in NWCT
I've been talking about parenting and all sorts of important 'under the radar' issues for years ...seeing some live beautifully with many helping them run tidy amazing households (and employing some to do the cleaning, childcare, and lots more...)
I realized 'We all Deserve help, especially the helpers!' We started a nursery school called Morning Song (which was pricey but we pulled it off, with just a few hour day then I'd watch the kids for free while cleaning up...and that was at the Audubon and warmed us up to the idea of applying for a job there when it opened up...Dave had already painted the big house as a donation with others (and our kids got chased by rabid raccoons in the process...but thankfully got in the stone house before it did...and they were only four but said "a Bear, a Man is after us!'
So not always the easiest thing in the country to let kids play outdoors. One of the kids saw all the work we put in to building beautiful wooden tables and chairs, transforming the space and letting the kids play and eat healthy food...then said, "You didn't have to do all that, that's what we do at Cath's.'
We only had a dozen kids in the program and half dropped out first thing, but it went on for another five years or more, even moved to the Sharon Cong. Church (as did the Sharon Daycare when it was under renovation. and another person ran a program there as well...)
Lots to learn and consider but with country living, more people could provide care in home-based settings I think. Who knows what regulations and insurance is these days...there used to be none (and some states may be more relaxed about many things, but it's all very important to pay attention to!
Many have complained or criticized me for my efforts, but At Least they noticed I was saying something....Hope we can keep more positive efforts going and I do share more on my blog and outreaches...Happy to connect and see similar needs for anyone needing homecare whether elders or special needs...hope we can help them 'get care to stay there at home..." Best to all...
My overall point over the years is the more we help young parents, the better kids do in school and life...and the family grows in positive ways too...the tax dollars get a better ROI and more succeed in many areas.. All of that takes some concerted effort and bridging of gaps in resources and info. Thanks to all working along these lines and happy to network.
I share more on Livfully.org too (and can provide lists of info or ideas from others too on a post or two so PM me etc if interested in that.)
We used to have play groups at churches and after school programs yet more people needed more childcare so that was put in place (in Sharon...and not sure where things stand now.)
It'd be good to summarize the many resources and provide some history from over the decades../There used to be a great program run in Limerock at the Trinity Church too. Great to bring more energy to the whole set of issues and learn from MA and NY too (NECC and CHP programs for instance)
