Parent Testimonial

I have one child.  Her name is Olivia, she turns 3 in January and she is fabulous.  This one child provides only one chance to raise a great human being and I take very seriously the gift I have been given with this child and the choices I make on her behalf.

I am a working mom (who isn’t?), meaning I work outside of the home (as well as inside for that matter).  However, I have been fortunate enough to have a supportive husband and very supportive mother and we have collectively provided care for Olivia during her first year and a half of life.

When our family moved to East Lansing from the Detroit area, I realized that it was time to find a care facility for Olivia to compliment the care she receives from family.   We searched and visited many, many child care facilities.  Most were very friendly, some were somewhat cold and sterile, one was outright frightening. 

It was not until I visited Eastminster Child Development Center (ECDC), that I felt at home.  I knew, once we set foot in the Bumblebee room, that this was where I wanted Olivia to be.

I called, visited, cried and received kind support from the ECDC staff.  When Olivia was ready to start (okay, when I was ready to drop her off), she had a hard time adjusting.  On Olivia’s 2nd day, the director called to let me know what a hard time she was having and that they were going to assign a staff member to Olivia each day to work one on one with her until she adjusted.  As a team, the staff and I got her adjusted and now each day, she looks forward to “school” and some days, does not want to leave.

I am so appreciative of the peace of mind I have with my daughter being at Eastminster.  My office is 78 miles away and it is imperative that I know that Olivia is safe while I am at work.  At ECDC, Olivia is with family.

It is the peace of mind, fondness of staff and respect I have for the organization and staff which encouraged me to get involved beyond the classroom as I became a Board member a few months ago.  My increased participation within the organization has brought me closer to my daughter and made us really feel a part of the community.

Sincerely,

April L. Jones