Page 19 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Are you Lori?” she asked. Her eyes, a lovely hazel, sparkled with life.

“That’s me. Lori Hamlin. Are you the new part-timer?”

“Yes. My name is Dawn Beecher. I’m new at the center, but not new at taking care of children. I’m the oldest of six.”

“You and my sister Aurelia would get along well. There’s something about being an older sister that is the same for almost everyone. Right?” said Lori.

Dawn laughed. “Do you mean bossy?”

Lori laughed, liking Dawn already. “I’ll show you around as soon as I get this little one fed and settled. Sit with us and ask any questions you might have.”

Dawn sat in a rocking chair facing Lori. “You’ve been here several years. You must like it.”

“Yes. I worked in an elementary school but decided I was ready for a change when this opportunity came up. Now, I do this and have a couple of side hustles. What about you? What brings you here?”

“I like kids of all ages, but I’m working on a degree in education, which is why I need the part-time job. I’ll use my experience here to write a few papers.”

“Janie is very kind and understanding about things like that. If there’s any information I can give you, just ask. You’ll see as we go from one space to another how well-run this operation is. Our babies and toddlers have excellent care and stimulation, and our preschoolers get an excellent education which makes the transition to public or private schools much easier.”

“This whole set-up is unlike any I’ve ever seen. I’m sure it costs a lot,” said Dawn.

“It does. But most parents who can afford this are like any others; they want to know their children are in caring hands. We have a few entitled parents who think their children should be treated differently, but not usually. Janie deals with them and won’t allow them to stay unless they’re willing to participate on an equal basis.”

Dawn’s gaze met hers, and they exchanged smiles.

Lori continued rocking and burping Kyle until, nestled to Lori, her eyes closed, and she slept.

Dawn followed Lori into the nursery and watched as Lori placed Kyle back into her crib. A little later, she’d want time in the special play area for babies. For now, Kyle was content.

Six other babies were sleeping in the nursery. One was being fed by another staff member.

Lori led Dawn to another room in the wing. “The toddlers sleep here in cribs or in small beds. The older children sleep in the room on the other side of the house.”

She led Dawn to the other side of the house where a large classroom and play area had been set up. Behind it, a large bedroom held a number of floor mats holding pillows, blankets and a few stuffed toys. “Each child has his or her own space,” Lori explained. “Believe me, when it’s time for an afternoon nap, most of the kids fall asleep instantly. We keep them pretty busy.”

“It’s important for kids to have enough sleep,” Dawn commented. “Working parents often have schedules that are a little erratic.”

“Yes, they like knowing their children have balanced activities here,” agreed Lori.

“How old is your oldest child here?” asked Dawn.

“We have a boy who just turned six,” Lori said. “But most in the preschool program are four and five. Janie has been asked about taking older children, but she refuses to get into a private school arrangement. That’s another, different situation.”

“Bright Beginnings is the perfect name for this business. It all sounds fantastic,” said Dawn.

“Like any day with small children, some are easier than others. But we don’t have many serious problems here. Janie is excellent at talking to parents about troublesome situations,” said Lori. “I admire her a lot.”

“Do you have children of your own?” Dawn asked her.

Lori shook her head. “My husband died a couple of years ago before we could have any.”

Dawn clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

“How about you? Do you have children?” asked Lori, ignoring the pain that had shot through her.

“No,” said Dawn. “I’m not ready for children of my own. Maybe after I get my degree..” She chuckled. “First, though, I need to find a man. I’m going to be thirty-four soon.”

“Me, too,” said Lori. “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”