As she opens her daycare in Mattapan, MA, Letoya Thompson says she developed a passion for child care at a very young age.
“Growing up, kids often look out for one another,” she says. “So I looked after neighbors, cousins, and then nieces and nephews. People would send their children to my home because they knew I would care for them.”
After moving to Mattapan, MA, and starting her family, Letoya began to consider transforming her love for children into a business of her own. “My heart belongs to kids,” she says. “And as a parent, I know what it feels like to want the very best for your child. I know I can create a program that parents can trust.”
“When I had my son and started looking for child care, I didn’t like what I was seeing,” says Letoya. “The places I toured didn’t look good to me, so I thought—I can do this. I can open a daycare in Mattapan where parents will be comfortable and kids will be happy. I want the children to tell their parents how much fun they had and that they are excited to come back the next day.”
Aiden’s Little Munchkins Home Daycare will be run out of Letoya’s Mattapan home. The daycare has two dedicated rooms, one for naptime and the other for learning and play. “My vision was for the space to be very cozy, but with lots of room for games, reading, arts and crafts, and lessons,” says Letoya. She explains that many of the program’s activities will be inspired by lessons she’s learned from her son. “Aiden is very active and loves to move,” she laughs. “So I’ve learned how to engage kids who have a ton of energy. There will be lots of opportunities for kids with all different interests.”
But Letoya is quick to admit that she doesn’t have all the answers and looks forward to working with parents to ensure her daycare works best for their family. “I always want to understand how I can improve,” Letoya says. “Parents know their own children best, and I want to make sure they get what they need out of the daycare.”
Under Massachusetts’ law, Aiden’s Little Munchkins Home Daycare will open as a licensed home daycare through the Massachusetts’s Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The EEC mandates strict licensing requirements, which include background checks, home inspections, and safety trainings and certifications. By partnering with NeighborSchools, Letoya has support throughout this process—and will continue to receive expert advice in marketing and operating her business.
“Starting a business—even something you really love—can be stressful,” says Letoya. “Being able to call NeighborSchools when I have questions has made me feel so much more confident.”
Click here to learn more about Aiden’s Little Munchkins Home Daycare in Mattapan, MA and read testimonials.
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NeighborSchools partners with experienced educators to launch world-class licensed daycare programs. In supporting the creation of more small-scale child care programs, NeighborSchools helps increase access to high-quality daycares. 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 daycares of their dreams and earn a living wage, while working hands-on with young children every day.
Want to learn more? Find a Provider near you or contact us.
