by Lauren Rooney, Photography by Elisa Baxt

It has been said that you will never experience a greater love than that of having a child. Parenthood is hard, there is no rulebook and it really does take a village. In a time when most parents have to be out working to support the family finding quality childcare is crucial. Fortunately, The Goddard School®, with locations throughout the country understands the struggle that parents go through to find the right childcare for their precious little ones.

The Goddard School is a franchise business with each school owned by an individual who is taking on the responsibility of carrying on The Goddard School's mission; to serve their community by delivering an engaging learning environment, conducting valuable research, and performing meaningful service.

There is no denying that Bucks County, with its excellent school systems and tight-knit communities, is a great place to raise your family.  Wendy Somers, owner of The Goddard School located in Newtown, wants to make sure that your child's journey is right from the start. After deciding to switch her 20 year career in business that involved a lot of traveling, to be closer to her family, and sending her young daughter to The Goddard School, Wendy decided to purchase one and combine her love for children with her vast business experience. Wanting to open her business in Bucks County Wendy happened upon the Newtown location, which has been open since 1995, being up for sale.

“Newtown was a great locale and had an already great reputation, so I truly stumbled on an amazing opportunity” Wendy explains. “The town of Newtown is a place where you can develop both personally as well as professionally.  It has a small town feel with a tight knit, supportive community, which is something I value.”

So why The Goddard School, with all the choices parents have for preschools? Wendy explains, being a parent herself, “I chose The Goddard School initially as a place to send my daughter 15 years ago.  After touring several different preschools, I chose to enroll my daughter in The Goddard School for several reasons.  I liked that the school is run by both an on-site owner as well as an education director, each with their own set of expertise and responsibilities in their respective areas. I also liked that Goddard included a lot of special enrichment programs with no additional charge to their monthly tuition that ensured my daughter would receive the most well-rounded education possible.  Some of the programs offered include Spanish, yoga, music, physical fitness, Goddard’s Guide to Getting Along and American Sign Language just to name a few.”

The Goddard School located in Newtown, a three time consecutive winner in the Bucks Happening List for Child Care, certainly has a few unique attributes. “Our location is especially unique in that we have built a beautiful nature trail on the land behind school for the children to explore. It includes a small bridge that stretches over a tiny creek—the children love to see the fish and other wildlife! Further down the trail is a small clearing with child-sized picnic tables. Perfect for all ages, the children love to explore the different trees and plants, go on bug hunts, catch butterflies and so much more,” Wendy says. “We also have a vegetable garden that is maintained by the children—a project of which they are quite proud. Every spring, we plant seeds in each classroom, providing them with everything they need to grow. As soon as the plants are large enough, the children move them out to the vegetable garden. Every class visits the garden and waters the plants. Throughout the season, the children harvest the fruit and vegetables for delicious snacks!”

While all of that sounds amazing, what really creates The Goddard School’s wonderful reputation is it’s dedicated staff members, some of them have been working at the Newtown location for 19 years. Wendy ensures that all of her teachers are incredibly qualified, “In order to work at my school, each and every teacher must complete CPR, first aid and fire safety training.  We also require a minimum of 18 additional continuing education credits each year for all of our faculty.  The lead and assistant teachers at the school must have at least 2500 hours experience working with children prior to being considered for employment with a minimum education level of a Child Development Associate’s Degree or working towards that degree.  For my preschool, pre-k and full day Kindergarten programs, teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, as each of these classrooms are certified by not only the Department of Human Services as well as the Department of Education.  More important than any degree of education is the warm demeanor, dedication and compassion that these teachers exhibit in their classrooms with the children daily.”

Childcare becomes particularly important during the summer months and The Goddard School has that covered as well. “During the months of July and August, The Goddard School located in Newtown transforms into a Summer Camp.  It is still an educationally based program, but we try to bring as much of the learning as possible outdoors,” says Wendy.

No matter what time of year The Goddard School is dedicated to educating children from start to finish. “The Goddard School implements a unique F.L.EX.^® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that is based on academic research that children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun” Wendy explains. “The Goddard School is unique in that we focus on academic, social, creative and child-centered development to provide a well-rounded experience. Our children receive the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long term success in school and in life. Our talented teachers also collaborate with parents to nurture children into confident and joyful learners.”

Knowing that there is local business with the expertise and facilities to nurture Newtown's youngest of citizens year-round is yet another reason that Newtown is truly a happening community.  For more information visit The Goddard School Newtown online and give Wendy a call at 215-579-8844 to set up a visit.

–Sponsored–

We Are Supported By: