By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
TOWNSEND—When the former Hartford Church of God relocated to Townsend, the new church was intended to serve not only as a place of worship on Sundays but as a childcare facility throughout the week. That multi-purpose approach continues and Parkway Daycare is celebrating 35 years of providing childcare to the community.
Parkway Daycare follows a holistic approach, offering different environments and learning experiences in its infant, toddler, and preschool programs. The non-profit organization is governed by a volunteer Board of the Directors. Board Chairman Jo Flicker explains that, as a non-profit, they are “not in it to make money. What gets charged goes back into the centre for wages and operating costs.”
Flicker attributes much the success of Parkway to the staff and the core values they exemplify. She states, “We don’t have a lot of turnover…. We have a great relationship with our staff.”
Parkway Daycare is a proven family affair for Supervisor Tracy Ronhaar (right) whose daughter, Brittney Fraser (centre) attended as a child and is now on staff. Fraser holds her daughter, Nylah, 3, who enjoys being at the daycare where her mom and grandma work. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs.
Tracy Ronhaar, who has worked at the daycare for 24 years, is currently the Supervisor. When she came into that position, she collaborated with the staff to establish the core values. She explains, “I wanted to create a more positive atmosphere and identified with staff what is most important to them.”
The four core values – wellbeing of children, positivity, respect, and team player – are the foundation for the Parkway Daycare staff. The process revealed that everyone was on the same page and Ronhaar says, “It was a good experience and brought the team closer together.”
The team presently consists of 16 staff members who care for 45 children ranging from infants to kindergarten age. Parkway also provides staff to the before and after school programs at Jarvis Public School and Walpole North Elementary School. Early Childhood Education students from Fanshawe College and Mohawk College have the opportunity to enhance their studies with placements at Parkway Daycare and Ronhaar says, “The students also inspire the staff.”
Among the many activities children enjoy at the daycare is gardening. Sarah Henry oversees the garden, which begins with the children planting seeds in February and March. She says, “They help plant and water and learn about the seeds and the plants.”
The learning continues as the seedlings are transplanted outside and cared for until harvest.
The garden is a prime example of practical, hands-on learning. Henry excitedly says, “They get to enjoy the crops. This year we made spaghetti sauce with the tomatoes.”
When asked what has made Parkway Daycare so successful, the first response from the employees is “teamwork!” But they don’t just mean the teamwork amongst the childcare team; teamwork exists with the parents and the children. Brittnee Carruthers is one such parent who speaks highly of the facility as her 3-year-old daughter, Odette, works independently on a puzzle. She says, “This is the best place ever. She loves coming here!”
It is evident that children and staff alike love the early childhood education experience offered in Townsend and have for 35 years. With an enthusiastic, dedicated staff, led by an involved Supervisor and supported by a strong Board of Directors, Parkway Daycare will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
