Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Reilly.
Melanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Fifteen years ago, my husband and I decided to purchase a failing preschool in new Bedford. Before long, we were buying an 8000 square foot building in Mattapoisett to renovate into an upscale preschool for infants through kindergarten. More than a million dollars later, our Mattapoisett facility looked like it belonged on Nantucket; beautifully renovated and decorated, looking like a huge home with preschool classes within its halls. My daughter, Sarah Jones and I, direct this school, which within less than a year became very successful. After the crash of 2008, many clients lost their jobs but we hung in there and quickly recovered. We now serve over 100 families and I believe our reputation for excellence in child care is second to none.
Has it been a smooth road?
Struggles included the crash of 2008-2009, where clients lost their jobs and hence did not need child care. There are always challenges imposed by the state of Ma, including the bachelor degree requirement for educators. Without money, my staff has found it difficult to attain their degrees.
Always worrying if there will be enough money to pay staff, repair building issues, liability insurances, and the like.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lighthouse Learning Center is a child care facility and preschool servicing children ages 1 month through 14 years. We specialize in excellence in child care while providing the best possible developmental training in our area. I have retained staff for 14 years, which, in this industry, is unheard of. I dare to say it is because teachers like our environment, which is filled with love and care for them and is translated to the children. We pride ourselves on having lots of fun, which makes for happy children.
I am most proud of my staff of 22 or so, in both schools, new Bedford and Mattapoisett. Their pride in their work, the ethics and morality all contribute to who we are as a school. This fact also sets us apart. We strive for excellence in service to this community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 79 North Street,
Mattapoisett, MA 02739 - Website: lighthouselearningctr.com
- Phone: 508-758-4884
- Email: lhlc777@aol.com
- Facebook: lighthouse.centers@facebook.com
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