On-Site Child Care Good For Kids’ Growth

I am a proud and grateful grandpa. I am proud because my granddaughter is blossoming like a summer daisy. And I’m grateful because my daughter is working for a company that is child friendly. She works in the accounting department for Goodale & Barbieri Cos. I am grateful because the company provides an on-site child care/preschool for its employees.

I recently attended the funeral of Lou Barbieri, “paterfamilias” of the Barbieri family. My 3-year-old granddaughter, Justice, was with me, politely observing the whole liturgy. She was especially attentive while Lou’s young granddaughters sang a song in tribute to him. Lou Barbieri loved his family and knew the importance of bringing everyone together. His philosophy lives on in the Goodale & Barbieri workplace.

Justice goes to work daily with my daughter, Jenna. Justice says she attends “Mommy’s work school.” It’s a wonderful program. She’s there from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. She’s given two nutritious meals and a stimulating learning environment.

She knows her Mommy is just down the hallway. Jenna drops in on her breaks, and the teachers provide weekly lesson plans to her and the other parents. If my granddaughter gets sick, she can go home right away with her mom.

Child care should be provided by other businesses. It is the way to go. It’s good for the morale of the employees, for the health and growth of the children. And it is a good recruiting tool for companies. I’m not saying the employers should give away child care. My daughter pays a monthly fee for hers.

As a teacher and a probation officer, and then after working as a school psychologist for 21 years, I know how crucial the first five years are in a child’s life. Children need consistent love, education and training. By age 5, we can spot serious potential trouble in a child.

On the other hand, Tiger Woods is an example of the success of early love and training. The time to spend money on education is from birth to five years. Then we can avoid the argument about funding for colleges versus prisons.

The preschool is a real star in the Goodale & Barbieri office building. And I know Lou approves. After all, he was a devoted grandfather, too.