Thursday, the Wasatch County School District Board of Education celebrated the new batch of “little explorers” enrolled in the childcare center at Deer Creek High School.
Preschool instructional coach Tara Boswell said the program is an option for affordable, quality childcare that’s more accessible for educators. It’s meant to bridge the gap for teachers who need childcare in the school district.
“It’s really hard to hand off your little ones into someone’s care and then go and educate other people’s children and not worry about your own,” Boswell said, adding that the childcare center offers an “amazing opportunity” for educators.
Boswell has a 9-week-old boy who is enrolled in the care service. She said that when she drops him off for care, she doesn’t worry.
“When educators had to be back on contract, they were in a quality environment to receive full-day care,” Boswell said.
Brooke Scott, an orchestra teacher at Rocky Mountain Middle School, introduced 2-year-old Benjamin Scott, who enrolled in the childcare program this year. Benjamin, spritely and energized, addressed the school board with a boost from Brooke.
“Do you like school?” Brooke asked.
“I love school!” Benjamin exclaimed. “Hi, Miss Hayden!”
Brooke said that when it was time to address what the upcoming year would hold before summer break, the biggest question was what her childcare situation would look like. She wondered how she could ensure her son’s needs were being met while still serving students.
“I love that my son is at school with me, that I can pop in on him during lunch, and that there is quality care provided at an affordable rate,” Brooke said.
The daycare is one of the reasons she could return to teaching full time and help start the Deer Creek High School orchestra program.
Brian Clark, an educator at Timpanogos Middle School, echoed the sentiment.
“This has been, as I said, a game changer for us to have affordable, confident people where we can trust the staff and we know they’re getting a quality education every day,” Clark said.
Like Benjamin, Clark’s daughter loves the program. She has her brother there, too, providing an opportunity to keep family care in one place.
School Board President Kim Dickerson said that, years ago, the program started as a simple conversation.
“A dream years ago that came to fruition today, and it’s so amazing to see this come together like it has,” Dickerson said.
The childcare is not just babysitting.
There are educational toys and an environment that provides learning opportunities and early childhood education pathways. The educators, Dickerson said, don’t have an easy job.
“We appreciate you so much,” Dickerson said.
Board member Breanne Dedrickson agreed.
“It is hard work. I mean, those parents are leaving their most precious possessions to go teach other people’s most precious possessions,” Dedrickson said.
Anca Neacsu, the director of the childcare center, said the program has already seen a tremendous amount of success. Right now, there is a waiting list of four babies and two toddlers. The center takes children as young as 6 weeks old.
“We strive to provide more than childcare. We care. We create a place where children can build connections and relationships with their educators and peers while developing socially, emotionally and academically through play and everyday learning,” Neacsu said.
Parents, she said, know their children best. But childcare staff who spend the day with parents’ children can help build strong communication and connection with individualized care.
“This is something our educators are proud of and something that strengthens our district,” Neacsu said. “Our youngest learners mean so much to us.”
Neacsu said the childcare center makes a tremendous difference. Her goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, high-quality environment where children can go and explore.
“We want children to feel safe, loved and cared for, and we want parents to have confidence knowing their children are in good hands,” Neacsu said.