Little Flower is the only Catholic Early Learning Center in Diocese

Originally posted on anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO ­— For many parents, the comfort in knowing your child is being lovingly cared for while you are at work is paramount in maintaining life balance. For the families of the 41 infants, toddlers and pre-school age children that utilize Little Flower Early Learning Center, there is less to worry about.

Little Flower provides families with more than just childcare for God’s children from 6 weeks to 3.9 years, they also offer an education geared to preparing children for Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Coordinator Donna Paris leads by example to her staff of 14 full-time teachers.

“I love every child who comes through the door. I make it a point to know ther names and to make them feel comfortable. It cian be hard for a little one to be seperated from a parent or guardian,” she said.

Located in Attleboro, it is the only day care the Diocese of Fall River maintains. Since opening in 2019, the facility is also the only school in the Diocese that offers full or reduced tuition based on income.

All financial assistance for early childcare and education is managed through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which provides assistance for those families in need. In order to be eligible for funding, a family must meet certain income and activity requirements.

The Catholic educational child care center utilizes a curriculum based on Gospel values.

Inspired by their patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux, they partner with parents to help each child see the unique gift from God that they are.

The staff provides a warm, nurturing, safe environment where children are valued, respected as important members of the community. Each child, created by God, is recognized and accepted as an individual with his or her unique qualities, needs, and pattern of growth.

The team of educators is a loving and talented group of professionals within a caring environment that aims to prepare children for life-long learning.

Little Flower Early Learning Center follows the highest academic standards which allows child(ren) to explore their natural gift of curiosity.

“We strive for happy, well-adjusted kids. We are accepting of all cultures, religions and ethnicities. As much as we talk about Jesus and Mary, we are open to other faiths to show that diversity is accepted here at Little Flower. If someone brings in a dreidel, we will talk about the Jewish Faith. We prepare our young people  to be ready when they leave here,” Paris said.

Ultimately, their goal is to become an extension of the family by nurturing and caring for child as though they are their own. Many children go on to attend Catholic schools after graduating from Little Flower.

“It’s about socializing the children and teaching them to be kind to others. Our program curriculum is developmentally appropriate which means that we teach in ways that match the manner in which children develop best – through hands-on play,” Paris said.

Little Flower offers programs that allows children to have a routine as well as encounter new horizons. Children try new ideas and materials, imagine, socialize, express themselves, create, discover, sing, dance, help and listen – all important foundations of a lifelong future of learning.

The staff understand that children need warm, empathetic caretakers in order to develop emotionally and intellectually.

For more information about Little Flower Early Learning Center, email Director Donna Paris at directorlittleflowerelc@frd.org.