Anna, Jeff, and Family - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 35)
Every morning, three or four activity tables greet the children arriving at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Daycare. One might hold Play-Doh, another paint, a third, kinetic sand. Whenever Miles returns with his parents to drop off his sister Zola, he still makes a beeline for the tables before saying hello to the teachers he knows by name.
Anna remembers when she first took Miles to check out the daycare and meet the staff:
“We had a chance to chat with Lakshmi. She was just so very kind and warm. I feel like right away, Miles felt comfortable speaking to her.”
At dinner time, Anna and Jeff listen to the stories:
“Teacher Aimie took me here, teacher Kim read me this book.”
The kids rave about Gemmie Island, a tree with a fairy door surrounded by decorations. Miles still has a collection of reward gems he earned for good behavior, most notably for being quiet during nap time.
“I just noticed it fairly early on. You pick up your kids and tell them, ‘say bye to everybody.’ And then you'll see Miles or Zola, run over and give Teacher Aimie or Teacher Kim a hug. So, you know that they've got this great relationship with them.”
Anna was relieved to learn that when she worried about Miles's behaviour, there were experienced educators who could offer her solutions and reassurance. Conflicts between the daycare children are met with diplomacy and grace. The staff’s structured approach also helped make Miles's transition to kindergarten a smooth one. For Anna and Jeff, MPNH is a place they trust to keep their kids safe, cared for, and engaged.
“They have so much good advice on what to do and how to do it.”
Every December, the daycare puts on a Christmas concert. Parents bring a plate to share, creating a potluck around the kids' performance. For Miles' first Christmas there, Anna was the one asked to read a book to the whole class.
“That's one of those core memories that I think I will miss.”
For Anna and Jeff, one of the unexpected rewards of MPNH was the friendships they made with other parents. Birthday parties became regular reunions, and before long they had a close-knit group of friends spending time together.
“It’s a really, really great community.”
Their wish for the future of Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House is simple: the same opportunities their children received, offered to more families.
Story written by Signy Marcyniuk through an interview with the family during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
