Elizabeth Orosco
Northeast News

Children’s Choice Too daycare center has been serving the Northeast community for nearly 40 years. Owner and teacher, Ms. Vonnie Occhipinto  says it’s an honor to be able to teach the children and watch them grow.

Located at the intersection of Hardesty and Independence Avenue, Children’s Choice Too offers daycare service to children from 0-12 years old.

Ms. Vonnie said she focuses on the development of the children, ensuring that they engage in brain-stimulating activities, are served breakfast, lunch, snacks, and are able to have fun!

Preschool-age children are guided through a curriculum that prepares them for kindergarten. The children learn colors, shapes, numbers, the alphabet, handwriting technique, the days of the week, and art skills such as using scissors and glue.

The students begin the day with the pledge of allegiance and go right into learning time. They are taught how to organize, clean up toys, and how to work in a classroom environment.

Ms. Vonnie said she makes sure each student is ready for their next step in education.

“We give them portfolios to follow and work with them. I work with them every single day with preschool activities. They are very advanced and they are ready for kindergarten.”

Last month, Children’s Choice Too held a preschool graduation that saw 13 preschool-age children graduate.

Students were given awards for ‘Most Improved,’ ‘Best Artist,’ ‘Best Student,’ ‘Best Helper,’ and others.

Ms. Vonnie said the hardest part is having to let go.

“I always cry this time of year, when the students have to leave. But I know I’ve done my best to teach them and prepare them, and that’s all I can do.”

Some of the teachers that work at Children’s Choice Too actually attended the daycare center when they were infants. Ms. Vonnie said this makes her daycare center a unique place in the Northeast.

Overall, Ms. Vonnie said she absolutely loves her work and the children she sees everyday.

“I get up every single morning at 4 o’clock and I run to work, I am so happy to be here,” she said. “I’m here every single morning by 5:15 a.m. When I walk in the door and all the kids are so happy to see me and run up to me, it just makes my day. And throughout the day I get hugs and kisses from all these kids and it just makes you feel wonderful. They’re constantly telling me how much they love me and I tell them I love them right back.”