NEW ULM - Mary Swanson, owner of Maree's Merry Makers Child Care & Preschool in New Ulm, Was recentLy awarded a National Accreditation from the National Association of Family Child Care.
"I wanted to provide to my families a high quality child care home by pursuing accreditation," said Swanson.
Swanson has been providing care in her home for 24 years, Maree's Merry Makers Child Care & Preschool serves children ages six weeks old through Kindergarten, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with occasional extended care as parents needs arise and participates in the state food program. The curriculum is the High Reach curriculum and supplemented with Child Care Land, Mail Box, and Scholastic Weekly Reader activities.
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Submitted photo
Mary Swanson is surrounded by some of her Day Care children. From left are Ayden Menk, Sydney Williams, Cassie Williams, Jackson Sharits (on lap), Aidan Rockvam( on lap, Jace Seifert, Lucy Gaalswyk (on ground), Will Dunton (on ground) Shelby Seifert and Addison Hage.
The National Association of Family Child Care offers accreditation to providers across the country, aiding them in raising their standards of quality care and gaining them the respect and recognition they deserve for their commitment to quality and children. The accreditation will earn Swanson a 4 star rating in the states quality rating system.
"I have a new attitude," said Swanson. "I am a professional provider. I have learned new ways of teaching children. There is a sense of wonder through the eyes of the children. I believe in myself."
In addition to NAFCC, Swanson is a member of the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association, the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children, the Minnesota Center for Professional Development, the Caring & Sharing Child Care Association and the Child Care Professionals of Brown County.
Mary plans to continue her journey of professionalism and finish her Associate degree in Child Development. Mary said, "Understanding just what it takes to be a child care professional can be difficult. Through the journey I can show off my strengths, continue to improve on my weaknesses, and portray 110% confidence at all times. The experience was so rewarding on so many levels."
For more information about NAFCC, receiving an accreditation or finding an accredited provider, visit www.narcc.org.