Edgar Melo, a local Home Daycare Provider, will open Rise N’ Shine Child Care, a daycare in his Brockton home this summer. The program will accept children ages eighteen months to five years, and the daily activities will be informed by Edgar’s professional experience caring for children with special needs.
“Growing up in Dorchester, I knew a lot of kids who never got the support they needed to create a better life for themselves and their families,” says Edgar. “So, I’ve always been drawn to helping troubled youth and kids facing unique challenges. I hope I can make an impact in their lives and futures, one child at a time.”
Edgar previously worked at the Walker Home & School in Needham, the Eliot Community Human Services in Roslindale, and—most recently—the May Institute in Randolph, which provides specialized care to children with autism and brain injuries. “I’ve worked with a lot of kids that are visual learners and many that are non-verbal,” explains Edgar. “I’m a big believer in adapting to each child’s unique learning style.”
Edgar says this interest in creating more personalized care and attention is what motivated him to open his own Family Child Care Program. “I learned a lot working in schools and centers,” says Edgar. “But often, in those settings, the daily activities are really structured and there’s not a lot of flexibility. That doesn’t work for every kid. In my program, we will develop play and learning time around the specific needs of the children, so that they are best positioned to benefit.”
“Although, I do love sports,” Edgar admits. “When I have older kids who like being outside, we will definitely be running around, having fun, and visiting local parks. If that’s not what interests the children, though, we will also have lots of enrichment time inside.” Edgar says integrating learning activities throughout the day is a top priority. “Of course there will be snack time and nap time, but I am a teacher. I see each day as an opportunity for the kids to learn and grow.”
As a NeighborSchools Provider, Mr. Edgar’s daycare in Brockton will open as a licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Program. FCCs are regulated and licensed by Massachusetts’ Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and Edgar is working with the NeighborSchools team to complete the required trainings on childhood development, health, and safety; undergo a thorough home inspection and three-part background check (along with unannounced site visits); and maintain current pediatric CPR & First Aid certificates. More information about Massachusetts’ FCC licensing requirements can be found on the EEC’s website.
As he makes the finishing touches on his home and finalizes the licensing process, Edgar says he can’t wait to get started. “I hope the kids like the space!” he glows. “I want this to be a place where parents feel comfortable leaving their children—but most importantly, I want the kids to feel welcomed.”
For Edgar, that is what it’s all about: providing the support children deserve to achieve their full potential, both during their time in his Brockton daycare and for many years to come. “When I think back on my career, I remember all these special moments when kids accomplished something that they didn’t think was possible. Sometimes, I wonder if they remember me or realize how I helped them. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Knowing that I made a difference is enough.”
Click here to learn about Mr. Edgar’s home daycare in Brockton, MA.
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NeighborSchools partners with experienced educators to launch world-class licensed Family Child Care programs. In supporting the creation of more small-scale child care programs, NeighborSchools helps increase access to high-quality programs. Children benefit from lower ratios, greater continuity of care, and a nurturing home environment. Parents can discover and build a relationship with a Provider located right in their neighborhood. Providers get to launch the program of their dreams and earn a living wage, while working hands-on with young children every day.
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