Two Superior Locations for Top Quality Child Care
One of the most pressing needs for most parents is quality and affordable day care for their children. Finding part- and full-time day care for preschool children and after-school and summer care for school-age children is a daunting challenge.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “The child care sector is critical to the American economy. Not only does child care generate its own economic output, but since it ensures working parents can go to work, child care also supports every other industry. In other words, when the child care systems are strong, it boosts other sectors, too.”
Owner Amy Benson and her dedicated staff at her two Newborn 2 School Education (N2SE) centers have been a great gift for many Superior and area parents who need reliable child care to be able to go to work.
Born and raised in Superior, Benson wanted to establish her business there. She has worked in child care for more than two decades and brings a wealth of experience to her important business.
N2SE has two Superior locations at 1419 Hill Ave. and at the Superior Business Center (the old Mariner Mall), offering parents places where they can be assured their children are happy, safe and engaged in age-appropriate activities year-round.
With a staff of 21 people at their Hill Avenue location with 95 children enrolled, and 18 staff members and 106 children enrolled at their Superior Business Center location, they are both an important employer and a significant provider of care to more than 200 children.
Carefully followed curriculum, standards, activities and goals prepare four and five-year olds for preschool and kindergarten. N2SE’s programs emphasize learning through hands-on interactive educational activities, promoting social and cognitive development.
The N2SE Centers offer breakfast and snacks. The children bring their own lunches, with the kitchen staff heating up food as needed.
Licensed for children from 2 weeks to age 13, they offer Monday through Friday day care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and before- and after-school care for students. They also have a large summer camp program.
Their facilities are completely secure and feature surveillance cameras throughout the centers.
In the Family
Benson’s mother Cindy Fennessey opened her New Horizons Daycare in the Mariner Mall in 2005. Amy worked as the Center Director at New Horizons for eight years before opening her own Newborn 2 School Education (on Hill Avenue) in 2013.
When her mother was retiring, Benson bought her New Horizons business, opening a second location of Newborn 2 School Education at the Business Center location.
“It was a challenge and a bit nerve-racking to add a second business,” Benson said. “I appreciate the help of my husband and three kids who all have pitched in to help over the years and still help us with projects when they are needed. My kids all grew up at and around the day care. My daughter Sarah works at the centers full-time in the summer.”
Family Testimonials
Parent Whitney Saunders has two daughters, ages 7 and 3, both of whom started at the Business Center location as babies. “My girls have had so much fun there. They love their teachers and look forward to seeing and playing with their friends,” said Saunders.
She added, “My kids also love the variety of activities. It has meant so much to have them get used to the routines with quiet time and consistent great care.”
Saunders also appreciates the staff’s communication with parents. “Questions are always answered, and they are ready to give us clarification about anything,” she said.
Another parent of children at the Business Center location, Katie Dailey, has two children ages 6 and 3. “The Center has a nice facility, always clean and well run,” she said.
“It’s important to trust people taking care of our kids. The staff treats us like family. We also appreciate prompt answers to our questions,” Dailey noted. “As a working parent, the safety measures are also very important to me.”
“My kids especially like the dance and movement exercises and the arts and crafts. They both always enjoy telling us about their day and what they learned,” she added. “I appreciate that my oldest Natalie was kindergarten ready with her skills, and I know my youngest daughter Rylie will be too.”
A parent with children at the Hill Street location, Nicole Kruse has a 6-year-old daughter and 2-year-old twin boys. “It was hard enough to find a place for one baby, let alone two. As a working mom, with my husband deployed, I needed to find a place that could accommodate my work schedule. New Born 2 School has always been so helpful to me.”
“They have treated us like a part of the family,” Kruse noted. “I also really appreciate the camp in the summer with outdoor activities, going to parks and on field trips.”
Parent Amanda Olson has three children (ages 3, 5 and 8 months) who go to the Hill Avenue location. Her oldest son was previously in the 4K program and is now in kindergarten. Her daughter is currently in the 3K program and her youngest is 12 weeks old and in the infant room.
Olson noted, “We love the themes and activities that teach the two older kids fun things. For example, after the gardening unit, they were excited to start a garden at home. After the forest unit, the ‘homework’ was for them to go out in the woods and then talk about five things that they saw out there.”
“We also appreciate the fall and spring conferences talking about the kids’ progress and if they are reaching the goals set for them.” Olson said.
A Rewarding Job
Benson explained, “It really does take a village to do the good work we do every day with kids. We work hard at communications with parents and staff. Keeping up on all the regulations is also important.”
“We have such a good group of families and kids at both locations. We want to be here to work with parents on whatever needs they may have for their children,” she added.
“My job is so rewarding. Not one day is ever the same. It is pure joy working with kids and watching their growth. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
Benson concluded, “I am so blessed with the best teams at both locations. I couldn’t do this job without them. All our staff members are dedicated to providing each child with a safe, fun and friendly learning environment.”
Call 715-392-2499 (Hill phone number) or 715-3924211 (Business Center phone number) to schedule a visit or go to their website at newborn2school.com.
Sheryl Jensen is a freelance writer, editor and reviewer based in Duluth.
