This week, we're meeting Michelle Robbins, Executive Director with WeeKare Early Learning Center in Clinton. I had the pleasure of being introduced to Michelle by Kim Salvi (our local Rodan + Fields consultant). Since meeting Michelle, I've had a chance to see many of the recent renovations at the Center and participate in their Trunk-or-Treat event (definitely watch for it next year!).
Tell us a little about you.
My name is Michelle Robbins and I’m the Executive Director at WeeKare Early Learning Center in Clinton, Ma. I enjoy being a mom. I’m a proud mom of a 22-year-old son getting ready to graduate from a Senior Military College poised to serve our country in the near future. To describe me best I would say I am kind and passionate about my work and about my family.
Describe your business, what services do you offer.
WeeKare is an early learning center located on West Street at the line of Clinton and Berlin. We offer childcare services for children aged 6 weeks through 8 years old.
I would like moms and parents to know about WeeKare is that we are family-oriented school. My vision is to be something unique and offer an environment that is calm, encouraging and supportive to each individual child. We support this vision by reinvesting into our program. This year we renovated our Infant Room, created a new Toddler Room and a new Preschool Room. Our tuition includes Cody’s Martial Arts Program, Music with Miss Carol, 1, 2 Tres our Spanish language program and the Tumble Bus. We have a lot of fun with a lot of exciting programs!
What do you love about the work you do?
The children! It is a blessing to say I get to experience the joy and excitement that children feel as they learn new skills, form friendships, and achieve milestones. To them, every day is a great day and it’s pretty special that we at WeeKare are a part of that!
What’s your ultimate mission with your business?
My mission for WeeKare is to provide for children in the community a positive first experience in education. We are creating bonds with the families that enter our door and we become an extension of their family.
What is one of the biggest challenges in your business?
Our biggest challenge at WeeKare is that many in our community do not know we are here! We are like a hidden gem and most of our families are through referrals.
How can your business make the holidays brighter?
We can make the holidays brighter by creating memories. The holidays at WeeKare are filled with a lot of fun events. The week before Thanksgiving we host a Feast for all the children to eat together family-style, to name just one of our many fun events!
What can we do to support you in the community?
Advertising (and attending!) our special public events would be very helpful. Also informing WeeKare of events going on in the community that we could participate in would help us reach the public that may not be aware of our school.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
It’s a balancing act being the director of a busy child care center. I enjoy taking walks and trips to Vermont.
How do you manage to keep everything going together: working and family?
It’s a balancing act for sure! Sometimes I just have to remind myself it's ok to leave the school and go home. I love WeeKare so it’s easy to forget I am actually at work.
What’s another business that you love in Clinton?
I really enjoy browsing Consignment Gallery at 56. I love glassware and looking for vintage furniture or décor.
Favorite spot to take your children around town?
My only son is grown and finishing his final year at Norwich University. But when he is home we enjoy walking to the reservoir.
When you’re not working or taking care of your family, what are you passionate about?
Our country and volunteering with organizations that support our military and our first responders.
What is something you’re especially proud of?
My Son! Anyone who knows me will say I am extremely proud of the young man he has become. Being a mom is my greatest joy. I have loved every minute of it. And I tell new moms and dads it goes by fast, so hug them a little longer and spend time with them. You will miss the busy early years more than you can know.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I was to give my younger self advice it would be that life can bring bumps in the road but with the bumps comes growth!
How do you support your community? What organizations are you a part of?
I like to volunteer! I have volunteered with several Veteran’s groups. My family and I deliver meals on Christmas morning through Catholic Charities. Most recently I have joined the Senior Center here in town and I am looking forward to decorating that beautiful house for the Holidays.
If you're interested in learning more about the WeeKare Early Learning Center, give Michelle a call at 978-365-7200 and schedule a tour. We hope you'll watch the calendar and attend one of their events, too.
449 Berlin Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Phone: (978) 365-7200
mrobbins.weekareclinton@gmail.com
