Open-Door Policy, Convenience, and Care Delights Innovation Park Families
By Eileen Wise

DaybridgeManaging childcare can be a challenge for working parents, especially when kids are infants. Fortunately for parents employed by companies in the park, one of Centre County’s top-rated childcare centers is located in the heart of Innovation Park. Daybridge Child Development is a NAEYC-accredited facility with programs for infants through school-age kids, and Director Bettie Miller says the center is truly a special place for families.

“I think it’s that relationship we have with our parents,” Bettie says. “We have an open door policy. Parents can drop by here at any time of the day. We have nursing moms who are able to continue nursing when they are back at work full-time—they can walk over here. I have parents who come over 3 or 4 times a day, and it’s not just infant parents. Once you start making that connection with parents it enhances the whole ambiance of the center. It’s that engagement with parents that sets us apart.”

Bettie explains that this relationship helps parents in the future, too. “I want my staff to listen and communicate effectively with parents because I believe that children really benefit when their parents are involved in their education. Here at Daybridge we start parents out on the right path and help prepare them to remain involved when their children enter elementary school.”

Amber Wolfe, graphic designer for Schoolwires, describes what attracted her to bring her one-year old daughter, Everlee, to Daybridge. “You can’t beat the location. I drop her off, and I’m right here in less than a minute. And they do such wonderful things with the kids.”

The program has 10 classrooms and is staffed by 38 adults. The highest demand is for infant care. “I could fill two more classrooms with infants if I had the space,” Bettie explains. “Parents who will need infant care need to let us know right away.”

Daybridge is owned and operated by CCLC, a successful national corporation that provides child care services to universities, hospitals, and large companies that wish to offer child care on site for their employees. Innovation Park is fortunate to be among numerous nationally recognized organizations that have CCLC programs on site, including the United States Drug Administration, the Wells Fargo corporate office, and Pixar Studios.

“CCLC strongly supports quality,” continues Bettie. “We have a wonderful curriculum. It’s called Early Foundations, and it is constantly being reviewed and developed.” The curriculum meets all of the requirements of the State of Pennsylvania early learning standards, as well as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.

Having an on-site daycare is one of the many qualities that set Innovation Park apart from other office parks. The many benefits of Daybridge being right inside the park include:

  • Proximity: Parents are just a short drive/walk away from the daycare, meaning they can stop in and see their children on a break.
  • Convenience: Finding a daycare that meets your standards and is nearby your workplace is difficult to accomplish. Daybridge offers proximity and top-notch care, making child care convenient and easy for park employees.

Built in 1997, Daybridge serves children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years with full-day, part-day, and afterschool and summer care. The center offers discounted tuition to other chamber businesses as well as Innovation Park tenant companies.

Daybridge offers special perks, like an exciting before and after school program for school-age children, and summer adventure and special interest camps. Daybridge also provides bus service to and from local elementary schools to aid parents with children of multiple ages.