Merryhill Child Care Accredited By NAYC

Merryhill Child Care Center, Inc recently earned official accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We are extremely proud of reaching one of our most important goals for the center,” said Director Michelle Kean. “It feels so good to know that the children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences and that our teachers meet the highest professional standards.”

Merryhill was established in 1989 as a joint venture of the State of Connecticut and 1199 Bargaining Unit to provide affordable, quality childcare for state employees of then-Fairfield Hills Hospital and parents in the community.

With the closing of Fairfield Hills Hospital in 1995, Merryhill obtained a five-year lease. At the end of its leasing period, the center exercised its option to purchase the building, located on 49 Queen Street.

Merryhill currently provides services for children age 6 weeks to 6 years. The teaching staff emphasizes individuality and recognizes how important it is for all children to have a positive self-image and the confidence to believe in their abilities.

“It is obvious that the children feel at home here,” said Head Teacher Karen Tuller. “Our warm, intimate environment promotes strong bonds between our staff, the children, and their families.”

The accreditation process took approximately 18 months and involved an extensive study of all aspects of the child care setting, including curriculum, classroom design, staffing qualifications, and the staff’s interaction with the children. The parents and staff were highly involved in the process and contributed portions of the study by completing anonymous questionnaires. The National Academy evaluator also interviewed Ms Kean and the staff to obtain a complete impression of Merryhill.

While Merryhill had been accredited in the past under the leadership of its founding director, the late Therese Hychko, the standing accreditation had lapsed due to changes in management.

Thus, “It feels great to accomplish this [new accreditation], not only for ourselves and the children and families of Newtown, but also in the memory and honor of Ms Hychko, a remarkable educator who left her mark here,” said Ms Keane.

“All of us who have children at Merryhill know what a special and unique program we have,” said Cheri Ross, president of the center’s board of directors. “The accreditation confirms Merryhill as a leader in the field of child care. What a wonderful accomplishment and a very proud moment for us all!”

The honored staff includes Patty Minalgo, infant teacher; Emily Stefanko, Sue Tarshis, and Melissa Quinn, preschool teachers’ Jennifer Wilson and Flanza Ajro, toddler teachers; and Melissa Martin, classroom assistant.