Caring for Our Most Precious Assets

By Colleen Gundlach

A lot has changed since Donna Adams opened her Norfolk Child Care (NCC) nine years ago, but the basic tenets on which the center was built have remained consistent.

Adams says the main focus of guiding each child toward independence and preparing them for preschool will always be her first priority. “We are working with the most precious thing a parent can have. These kids are my world, and they need to feel loved and comfortable here. We provide a safe, secure place for them.”

Since 2012, this state-licensed family day care, located in South Norfolk, has welcomed children ranging in age from six weeks to 12 years old, from all of the area towns, including Goshen, Litchfield, Canaan and Torrington. Right now, Adams has a full roster of day children, and she is almost full in her after-school program. Most local school buses deliver the children directly to NCC after school.

The Covid pandemic has made few changes at NCC, and Adams is proud that the day care closed only one week during the entire two years of the pandemic. “I maintained full capacity the whole time except for that one week,” she says. Owing to the pandemic, parents are not allowed in the building, and everyone is required to wash their hands on arrival and periodically throughout the day. No one with sniffles is allowed to attend, and hand sanitizer is used regularly.

During the height of Covid, the children and staff spent as much time as possible outdoors, including having snacks and lunch outside. “We had less free play and concentrated more on play centers, where a children could choose one activity. When finished, the children would clean up, and I would sanitize,” she says. The children still play in centers, and they and the staff still spend as much time as possible outside.

Before a child is admitted to NCC, Adams conducts an interview to let the parents know that “we are a village, not separate entities.” She says that parents and the day care center need to talk frequently and work together. “The child is our number one priority, and everyone at home and here must be on the same page in terms of the child’s learning process and discipline.” Adams will not admit a child to the program until the parents and the child have all visited the center. “Parents need to meet me face-to-face and see where and how their children will be spending their days. I don’t take any registrations over the phone.” Adams herself is the mother of three grown children and knows firsthand the importance of good communication.

In the summertime, the children are eager to take field trips, which in the past have included days in the sunshine at Dennis Hill, Tobey Pond and many of the playgrounds or parks in the area. Adams hires an additional person for summers to facilitate safety and fun on these trips. “We try to make the trips excited and fun-filled and always outside,” she says.

“I’m here for the children,” says Adams. “Structure and consistency are important. My job is different than many. It’s not just about a kid walking through the door. My job is to show love to the children and to help them to be self-confident and happy. My job isn’t always easy, but I love it. It brings me joy.”

For more information about Norfolk Child Care, please call Donna Adams at 860-485-4697.