New Daycare opening in Sussex County

HARDYSTON-The Great Beginnings Learning Center, which has been rising on the west side of Route 94 just north of Sparta for many months, recently held its grand opening. is now open for business. It is the realization of a dream for Barbara Ignaczak and her husband, Jeff, who state their philosophy in the pre-school and day-care center's motto: "Where Education Takes Fun Seriously." The Ignaczaks say they are serious about developing the facility into a unique environment in which each child is treated as a unique person, with programs tailored to meet the needs of the "whole child" at each stage of development. Barbara Ignaczak said she intends to be a "hands on owner" with a personal interest in every detail of the center's operation, beginning with well-balanced meals. As the school is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m., all meals are provided through Simply Gourmet caterers, a leading supplier to to private schools and institutions. Video cameras located in various locations throughout the one-story building to provide security. Children are dropped off directly in front of the building. The parking lot allows school buses to drop children off at the front door. There is a safety evacuation door in each room, and since the one-story building has no stairs, it offers ease of access and fewer opportunities for accidents. Each room has a rest room with a toilet sized to accommodate the age and size of the children occupying it, with the smallest being 14 inches. Viewing windows built into every "allow the parents to peek in on the children and teachers at any time," said Ignaczak. Entrance to the school is strictly monitored, and a list is maintained of those individuals who are permitted to enter either to watch a class in progress or pick up a child. Age-appropriate, fenced playgrounds promise that, "No child is running into each other, that they are safe, and play within their group. Because of the size of each group, they have access to all toys. There are no waiting lines to ride on the slide," Ignaczak said. Although the building is rated by the state for 152 children, the school expects to maintain a maximum enrollment of 120. It is equipped for children ranging in age from 6 weeks through 12 years. Infants are closely watched, Ignaczak said, and parents are provided with a log of the child's activities with such information as eating habits and diaper changes. The center will institute an after-school program in September, catering expecially to kindergarten students. Special activities projected in the fall will incorporate music programs, physical education that will include yoga, gymnastics, and team sports, and visiting theater groups. "Everything is the highest quality," Ignaczak said. "It will always be spotless. We go above and beyond what's required for every detail. It's a huge commitment." Great Beginnings is located at 3501 Route 94. Call 973-209-1500, e-mail gb3501@earthlink.net.