Longmeadow location celebrates KinderCare's 40th anniversary

Date: 7/20/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW On July 14, KinderCare locations across the country celebrated the company's 40th anniversary. The Longmeadow location, which has been open for more than 30 years, marked the occasion with a party that included those currently enrolled and those who have been touched in any way by the learning center.

"The staff is what makes it," Director Gina Mack said. "Generation after generation comes through. When kids graduate, they still want to come back and see their old school."

Assistant Director Jess Manarite explained that KinderCare tends to children ages six weeks through nine years old, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering breakfast, lunch and snacks.

The Longmeadow location will be adding a science class soon, and will start its new academic year in September.

"Nurturing and personal attention is what we're here for," Mack stated.

The 40th anniversary celebration included pizza and snacks, two bounce houses, a visit from Curious George and Cliff Madru of Ludlow, who offered a workshop titled "Spirit of the Drum."

Madru said his favorite age group to work with is younger children. His workshops include a show and tell format, a call and response song and a time for everyone to drum together.

"[Madru] is amazing," Manarite said. "We've had him before. And having Curious George, a childhood icon the kids are all excited."

Tim Kealy of Monson was at the celebration with his daughters Ailis, 4, and Mairead, 8. Ailis is currently attending KinderCare; Mairead is a graduate.

"The teachers here are always really good to their kids," Kealy told Reminder Publications. "I would definitely recommend [KinderCare to other parents]."

Manarite noted that part-time and full-time programs are available, and that there are plenty of openings for new students.

Longmeadow's KinderCare is located at 28 Dwight Rd.; another nearby location is 201 Cooley St. in Springfield.

For more information, contact the Longmeadow center at 567-9264 or visit www.kindercare.com.