The word essential has taken on a new meaning this year. While everyone was grateful for the healthcare workers on the frontline and the police officers keeping our streets safe, it seemed that no one thought about the fact that many of these workers are also parents. By mid-March, with schools and daycare centers closing due to the spread of COVID-19, these parents were left wondering who would care for their children while they were obligated to continue working outside of their homes? Childcare centers anxiously awaited to find out if and how they would be allowed to operate.
Tirusha Dave, owner and founder of Ellie’s Academy in Somerville, consulted her staff and quickly learned that they were all in. They collectively decided that they would do anything in their power to stay open and serve these essential employees. Someone needed to step up and care for these children.
By the end of March, the enrollment at Ellie's Academy was down to less than ten students and there was fear of what the coming weeks would bring. The center finally received verification that they were approved by the state to stay open, and with that, the phones started ringing. Essential parents needed quality care for their children and immediately started enrolling them at the school.
With a renewed sense of optimism, Tirusha created motivational videos about the essential parents, thanking them for their dedication to the communities. She also formed partnerships with local restaurants who donated meals to thank these parents. All the while, she continued to advocate that early educators are also essential workers.
Amy Wierzbinsky was grateful that she had a place to send her son Anthony.
She explains, “Ellie’s is our favorite place to be outside of the home! During a time of crisis and paranoia for many people, they made the center so safe for the children. As parents, we had no worries dropping our children off in the morning before we headed to our essential jobs. Ellie’s Academy is so much more than a daycare. They are our home away from home."
Even without a pandemic, finding the right daycare remains a huge challenge for many parents. From its earliest roots, Tirusha was dedicated to bringing high-quality, early childhood education to the families of Bridgewater and the surrounding towns. At Ellie’s Academy, the entire team works together to pave the foundation for their future education. They enroll babies as young as six weeks of age up to 5 years old.
“The time a child spends at Ellie's Academy is critical to their development,” says Tirusha. “Children learn important social and emotional skills through a partnership that is formed between the child, parents, and teachers.”
Tirusha, who has been working in the field of early education for over a decade, believes that when the home/school partnership is fostered effectively, that it lays the groundwork for the child’s educational aptitude for many years to come.
“The first five years of a child’s life are extremely important. During this time, the foundation is built for their future cognitive and social development," says Tirusha.
Throughout these difficult times, Tirusha continues to come into work with a sense of optimism and love of what she does.
Tirusha gushes, “The smiles and the hugs are the best part of the day. These children mean everything to me, and they are the future of our world. We have such a small window to mold their minds and teach them the skills which will pave their futures."