Leanne Parneta has owned and operated a preschool in Tsawwassen for the last decade, but she always had a vision for her perfect daycare.
She said it started when her own daughter was in daycare and, while she was happy with the care, she always felt like there was something missing - an area where children could enjoy some real quiet time.
"I find that the daycares have become really, really big," she said.
Today, Parneta's dream has become a reality as she opens Wee Watch
Daycare at Cedar Park Church in Ladner.
"We're trying to make this a little bit of a calmer daycare," she said.
Parneta had looked at other locations around South Delta but said she knew she had found what she was looking for as soon as she saw the rooms on the upper level
of Cedar Park Church.
The big, bright rooms overlook an expanse of farm fields and there is more than enough room for Parneta and her staff to create the daycare she dreamed about.
The daycare occupies two large rooms at the church. One has been set up with all the amenities any daycare would need. There is a cozy area for storytime and lots of toys and stations for playing, while a large adjacent room is perfect for naptime, or quiet time for kids who don't nap. Parneta said the room would also be a calm and quiet place where staff could take a child who is upset or agitated to calm down. The additional room has also helped Wee Watch accommodate a pre-school program, which was another item on Parneta's wish list.
She said she wanted to offer a full pre-school program at the daycare to cut down on transitions for older children who need both daycare and preschool.
The Wee Watch program also includes kindergarten readiness, Fun Family Phonics, fine arts, outdoor fun, beginner baking and field trips.
Parneta and manager Denise Sheridan have a combined 30 years of early childhood education experience.
"I think our staff 's passion really sets us apart," Parneta said.
Wee Watch Daycare is currently accepting registration and is licensed to accommodate up to 25 children from two-and-a-half to five years old.
For more information call 604-946-6WEE (6933) or visit www.weewatchladner. com.
