Member Spotlight

Wayne and Mary Sue Watson,

We opened our first center in 1971. We currently own, Children’s Campus ( opened 1982), Children’s Campus Too (opened 2002) and Premier Children’s Center (opened 1999).

I have always had a great love and respect for children. In grade school I helped my mother with her Sunday school classes. I became a mother at the age of 17 and our second son was born two years later. In 1964, while at home with our little ones, I started doing childcare in our home.

In 1966, I went to work for a pre-school as the four year old teacher. Back in those days the ratios were 1:25 for 4’s. However, owners didn’t go by state ratios and most days I had 30 pre-school children by myself. Over the years I have told my staff that I survived by deciding: 1. those little children would not get the best of me and 2. I needed a job. So I loved and played with all 30 of those children. Every day at nap time I would crawl over to each cot and tell each child how much I loved them. I made sure that several times a day each child got individual attention from me, while still supervising the whole group.

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Subsidies for working poor are vital

Editorial from AZ Republic on July 27, 2010

Bill Berk – Tucson

Thank you for the attention you are bringing to the travesty involving child-care subsidies for the working poor (“State must not let subsidies die for those in need,” Editorial, Monday). The number of children currently on the waiting list can be counted. What can’t be counted is the number of children being left home alone or with unsuitable caregivers while their parents attempt to earn a living and support their families. The safety of all our children is at stake, yet the governor and Legislature seemingly turn a blind eye to the struggles of working parents as they try to better their lives.

Parents without access to safe, affordable and reliable child care are unable to work. Instead, they stop working and access more state-funded programs. While funding child care may seem expensive, the cost pales compared to supporting a family on welfare.

Preschools give jobless a hand

by Sonu Munshi – Jul. 17, 2010

The Arizona Republic

Imagine researching a company to a T, ironing your best duds for an interview and then taking your snotty-nosed toddler who is likely to cry or scream along to face a potential employer in an interview.

Peoria resident George Gormsen doesn’t have to imagine. The 31-year-old Web designer had the pleasure twice after he found himself in the unemployment market between November and June.

With his wife, Renee, working during the day, his daughter, Lorelai, now 14 months old, tagged along on interviews.

“That just didn’t look professional at all,” Gormsen said.

Shockingly, he didn’t land either position. He’s sure Lorelai’s presence was at least part of the reason.

But Gormsen is now back to work at a Peoria car dealership, and he can’t thank a Peoria day-care provider enough.

The Peoria dad was able to interview without Lorelai in tow, thanks to a free trial day at Sunrise Preschools.

The nearly 30-year-old Valley preschool, along with Tots Unlimited, another preschool and child-care center owned by the same company, is offering Interview Care, a free, no-strings-attached service to Valley parents of children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

Dana Vela, president of Sunrise Preschools, hopes the offer of free licensed child care for unemployed parents to use when they go for an interview helps the community.

“There is a definite need out there,” she said.

The creative offer could have a longer-range benefit, helping to boost enrollment at a time when preschools are struggling as parents lose jobs.

The offer is open at all Valley locations on a space-available basis for an undetermined period.

Parents must make reservations in advance for up to four hours of care. Immunizations and other information are required.

New ACCA Arizona Members

We are excited to announce the newest Arizona Child Care Association members. We are a non-profit organization that represents professional licensed child care providers statewide we are also on of the most active and effective voice for child care providers.

Welcome New Members,
Kidz Kampus
Trinity United Methodist Preschool
The Learning Curve
Karen’s Kare Bears
The Gingerbread House
Cave Creek Montessori School
Imagine Early Learning Center
Children’s Academy
Happy Days Learning Center