Business Profile:Children of America Educational Childcare & Academy, Cortlandt
Photo credit: Neal Rentz
Maureen Gioio grew up in a large family in Ossining and certainly knows about dealing with children.
“I’m the oldest of 12,” Gioio said “I’m a mom, a grandmother.”
Beginning in early 2015 Gioio will be leading the Children of America Educational Childcare & Academy when it opens in the Cortlandt Town Center through her role as the facility’s director.
Children of America is a national chain of child care facilities, Gioio explained recently. “We’re the first one to come to Westchester,” she said. “We offer child care that will serve infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age for families in the Westchester County area.”
“We are committed to providing a safe, developmentally appropriately environment for infants through elementary school (students),” Gioio said. “Our emphasis is to provide a stimulating and educational experience that provokes every child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. We deliver educational programs that foster self-esteem, encourage curiosity and inspire children to desire to be lifelong learners.”
“We have to build that safe, secure environment where people feel comfortable and trust. It’s the most important job that anyone can have,” Gioio added.
There will be several physical activities offered at the new child care facility. “We have indoor and outdoor facilities. We have an infant/toddler play area,” Gioio said. “We also are going to have a little water park.”
The indoor arena features a soccer field, a basketball court, a volleyball facility and a batting cage, she noted. “It’s a beautiful facility,” she said. “We do embrace a lot of nutrition and fitness for all the age groups and we encourage that.”
Academics will also be an important part of services offered by the new day care facility, Gioio said. “The curriculum is based on the children’s experiences and what they want to learn. It’s hands-on.”
A free grand opening event for families is scheduled for Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We will have a photo booth, arts and crafts, a bounce house, different vendors to show different activities, such as martial arts (and) gymnastics, (and) live music.” Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi is expected to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony during the event, Gioio said.
Gioio said she has 31 years of experience in child care. “I’ve worked with every age group and I’ve directed in the Westchester area,” she said. “It’s just a passion for me. And I enjoy watching children thrive in a safe, nurturing, loving environment.”
Children of America Educational Childcare & Academy is located in the Cortlandt Town Center at 3093 E. Main St. in Mohegan Lake. For more information, visit childrenofamerica.com or call 914-930-6084.
