Mother of four pioneers new childcare program for tweens

Date: 4/28/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- What can parents do with kids that are too old for traditional childcare but too young to be home alone after school?

Mary-Anne DiBlasio, a mother of four from West Springfield, believes she can give parents an answer when Be Well Kids Inc. (BWK) opens this fall.

DiBlasio, president of this pending non-profit told Reminder Publications her aim is to provide parents with another alternative to traditional afterschool programs, which focuses on overall wellness in hopes of increasing self-worth and graduation rates.

"There [is] a true need in West Springfield for afterschool care. There are some options, but not too many, and there are a lot of kids; existing programs fill up fast," she said.

"A lot of kids, especially today, hide behind either hand-held electronic devices or computers, texting, e-mailing or IMing," DiBlasio continued. "To take the human contact out of communicating is not good for kids ... Be Well Kids will have programs in place to assist in balancing a child's emotional, mental, physical, nutritional and financial selves."

She noted that the facility will be staffed with medical professionals such as a registered nurse, and certified dieticians, therapists and councilors.

Monica Gagnon, R.N., director of Physical Health for BWK, said too much emphasis is placed on nutrition and not enough on pairing healthy eating with daily physical activity.

She added that the staff will teach those attending BWK the importance of an active lifestyle in order to prevent life threatening illnesses such as heart disease or obesity.

"If [children are] not [learning these life skills] in their homes or at schools, then they need to get it in centers like this," Gagnon said.

She noted that physical activity at BWK will not be limited to sports.

Nicole Margiotta, assistant director of BWK, said those attending will have numerous options for their time spent at the facility, and will not be restricted to a schedule of mandated activities.

DiBlasio explained that BWK will eventually expand beyond middle school-aged kids and establish BWK Junior and BWK Senior.

BWK Junior will incorporate "the younger kids [nine and under] in a license program."

BWK Senior will be formed for those who "graduate" or age-out of the middle school-aged program to become Junior Counselors for incoming youth.

"One major focus we have is to nurture these kids while at the [BWK] center in hopes of raising our graduation rate, which at present is lower than [68 percent, according to the Massachusetts Department of Education] ... We hope to make a difference," DiBlasio said, "a considerable difference; a parent partner if you will, to help these kids be their best, whatever that best may be. We truly feel we will secure our future, one child at a time."

BWK will open its facility in West Springfield on Sept. 9.

For additional information about BWK, call 73B-WELL (732-9355), e-mail kids@bewellkids.org or visit www.bewellkids.org.