Until just a few years ago, Daycare services that contributed to the growth and development of young bodies and minds didn’t exist on Roatan. Parents had to forgo employment opportunities, or in many cases, take their kids to work with them, or even delegate care of very young children to only slightly older siblings. Sometimes a family member or neighbour would help out, but, through no fault of their own—rarely could offer educational, personal hygiene, and nutritional meal elements.
That isn’t the case anymore, the Roatan Daycare Center in Coxen Hole is an accessible option for low income, working parents. The place for needy families to go where their children are kept safe, healthy, learning, and loved, giving their children the opportunity to develop and grow to their maximum potential.
I remember when (twenty-five years ago) my kids were not yet old enough to attend school, and I had to go to work—bills to pay, groceries to buy, a home to maintain. It was a given that I had numerous options to choose from. Safe, fun, educationally rich Daycare Centers in Ontario, Canada were plentiful than, and still are.
Mind you, the first morning I took them to the Daycare, my daughter scampered off to play with her new friends, and to dig into the pots of finger paint just waiting to be smeared across large sheets of newsprint. My son didn’t feel the same artistic urge—he clung to me like a monkey! As I peeled one little chubby hand from my waist, it was quickly replaced by the other one grasping at my knee. With the assistance of one of the Daycare staff, I was on my way to my place of employment, my little boy was still none too impressed with me but the lure of Tonka trucks and his sister obviously having a great time subdued his anxiety. When I returned at the end of the work day to retrieve my children, they had plenty to share with me about the fun they had, the snacks and lunch they enjoyed, the numbers and letters they had learned how to print, and the new friends they had made.
With great pleasure I now get to witness children of Roatan creating masterpieces with: art paper, every colour of the rainbow pencils & paints—and a whole lot of imagination! I’ve watched them listen intently; mesmerized by the story one of their teacher brought to life for them. I’ve seen their eyes shine with great pride when they correctly pronounce a word in their English (as a second language) Class, and during snack time, I am greeted by a row of happy faces, enjoying a fresh, nutritious treat.
The Roatan Daycare Center is here for the children of Roatan and relies solely on contributions to ensure they continue to benefit. Please visit How You Can Help to see how easy it is for you to help keep it going.
