By Myles Ma
For the group of kids who attend the Children’s Center and Preschool of Ewing the academic aspect of school is almost a bonus to the other learning that takes place. At that age, say its owners, it is equally important to learn how to behave in school, whether socializing with classmates, following directions or being disciplined.
For Children’s Center co-owners Jonathan and Mara Lamond, the goal is to get their students, ranging from six weeks to 6 years old, ready for kindergarten, but there are many ways to get there.
“Everybody comes with a different background and a different need,” Mara said.
To that end, Jonathan said, there is a set year-to-year curriculum for the students. While the content may not change, the process by which it is taught varies depending on the makeup of each class.
Even within narrow age groups, Jonathan said, children’s development can vary. A 4-year-old who can read or write may share a classroom with a 4-year-old who isn’t toilet trained.
The advantage parents have with the Children’s Center, Jonathan said, is that he and Mara, as owners, are always on site. A franchise owner might have to ask a higher-up before putting a changing table in a classroom, but the Lamonds are able to make such calls on the fly.
If there is an overarching philosophy, it is allowing the children to learn through play. Jonathan said all the activities are structured so that the students learn from each one.
Even just playing with blocks, Mara said, children learn about balance, form and function, shapes, counting and sharing, and develop their motor skills.
“There’s a lot that goes with blocks,” Jonathan said.
Mara knows what goes into a quality child care center. Before owning the Children’s Center, she was an inspector for the state Division of Youth and Family Services.
However, she left DYFS after earning her teaching certificate, and when she and her husband had the opportunity to purchase a day care in Trenton 11 years ago, they took it. The couple bought their Ewing location two years later, and Children’s Center and Preschool celebrated its ninth anniversary in March.
Owning a child-care center is a lifelong dream for Mara; it says so in her 1990 Ewing High School yearbook. Both her parents were teachers, and many of her other relatives were, as well.
Mara takes joy out of watching her students grow up.
“I like that we make an impact on the children’s lives,” she said.
As for Jonathan, he always saw himself owning a business. But working in insurance, he figured it would be his own agency.
Now he handles the business and marketing end of the Children’s Center, while Mara is in charge of the curriculum.
The Children’s Center and Preschool of Ewing is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most children spend a regular 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. shift at the center, but the Lamonds say they will accommodate any schedule.
For more information, call (609) 771-8500 or go online to childrenscenterllc.com.
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