Daycare centers across various regions are responding to the growing demand for childcare services with exciting new expansions and relocations, aiming to provide support to families.
On the occasion of Saint Valentine's Day, the municipal nurseries of Collegno, Italy, will open their doors free of charge on the evening of February 14. This initiative allows mothers and fathers with children aged 18 to 36 months, who struggle with childcare arrangements, to enjoy the romantic holiday together. Collegno stands out as the first city in the region to offer such support for couples celebrating love. "An initiative born from practical requests made by the families I know: to provide concrete help to parents who do not have the support of their grandparents or cannot afford babysitters," explained Matteo Cavallone, the Mayor of Collegno.
This service is set to operate from 7:22 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. local time, and the program will include fun activities like pizza and ice cream parties for the children. So far, 30 families have signed up for this unique service. Aldia Cooperative will manage the daycare, emphasizing their commitment to relieving some of the daily burdens faced by parents. According to Silvia Ala, the advisor for Educational Policies, they aim to promote integrated support where institutions help families create networks to reduce responsibilities.
Collegno's service is not just limited to Valentine's Day. Similar offerings are planned for Mother’s Day, the summer season, and Christmas, enhancing support throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) announced the construction of a new daycare facility at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Pembroke. Frecon Construction Ltd. has secured the $3.77 million contract, with work expected to commence in Spring 2025 and complete by 2026. "This new daycare is a testimony to our commitment to serving families in the community and providing a strong foundation for our youngest learners," shared Derek Lennox, Superintendent of Educational Services. The facility will cater to children aged zero to four years, featuring dedicated rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, facilitating individualized, age-appropriate learning experiences.
Leaps and Bounds Children’s Centre will manage the new facility, striving to prepare preschoolers for kindergarten through play-based learning. Registrations for the daycare will open in Spring 2026, with RCCDSB promising to keep the community informed as more project details arise. This new construction underlines the increasing recognition of the importance of quality early childhood education.
On the other side of the country, Marshall & Friends Daycare recently relocated to 2304 S. Fifth St. in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After facing challenges at its previous location on North 11th Street, the family-operated daycare has completed extensive renovations to their new home, ensuring compliance with safety codes. Owners Fabian and Matilda Moriah expressed gratitude for the support they received during their transition, particularly praising Jeff Barber from Lehigh Financial Group for facilitating financing and helping navigate complex title issues.
The site previously known as Twining's Day Nursery has been entirely renovated, featuring upgrades to plumbing, electrical systems, and even new diaper-changing areas to create a safe learning environment. Although the current care capacity is 87 children, down from 122 at the former location, the Moriahs are focusing on rebuilding enrollment and planning future expansions. "The process wasn’t easy, but we are proud to have overcome these challenges and to once again provide quality childcare on property we own," said Fabian.
Marshall & Friends continues to participate in Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS program, indicating their commitment to continuous improvement and quality early education. Looking forward, the Moriahs are even considering adding facilities for indoor training to encourage physical activity and exploring the possibility of additional locations to serve more families.
These initiatives reflect the concerted efforts among child care providers and local government to meet the increasing demand for reliable and quality childcare options. With Valentine’s Day initiatives, new construction, and relocation plans, it's evident there is growing recognition of the importance of supporting families and ensuring quality early childhood education remains accessible for all.