‘I fell in love with the program from the very first day:’ Parent Expresses Gratitude for Catholic Charities Boston’s Child Care Program

Around the time Maria Rodrigues’ first born had turned two, she began to look locally for an affordable child care program that would allow her to return to her position as a medical assistant.  

However, the more Maria searched, the more discouraged she became: not only were many programs outside of her family’s budget, but many lacked the flexible, accommodating curriculum and environment she desired for her daughter. When Maria discovered Catholic Charities Boston’s Yawkey Child Care program, she quickly knew she had found the right fit. 

“I fell in love with Catholic Charities program from the very first day,” she said. “The staff were all very friendly,  explained how the school works, and said if the cost was too high, they could work with me to apply for a subsidy.” 

All five of Catholic Charities Boston’s child care centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, with a program curriculum designed to stimulate children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Open Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the centers also provide convenient hours for working parents.  

Over the past two years, Maria said her daughter has experienced tremendous growth, and she credits much of that to the incredible staff at the Yawkey Child Care Center.  

“My daughter loves her teachers,” she said. “They seem to always be having fun at school, and she always has a story to tell when she comes home. I am amazed at what she has learned and the way she is able to hold conversations.”  

When Maria gave birth to her son six months ago, she was thrilled to learn that her second child would be able to join the Yawkey infant care program and be in great hands while she made the transition back to work. 

“Even though my son is so little, I can tell that he is happy,” she said. “When I drop him off with the teachers, he is always smiling.” 

Beyond her family’s positive experience with the child care program, Maria said the agency has been extremely supportive of her family around the holidays, as the cost of living and everyday expenses continues to rise.  

“Even after finding affordable childcare, many families are facing other challenges,” said Kathleen Nichols, Director of Child Care Services at Yawkey. “When parents come to us, we refer them to Catholic Charities Boston’s other programs, whether it be our food pantries or ESOL classes, so they don’t have to jump through hoops to find support. We are parents ourselves and many of us are from this community, so we understand.”  

Thanks to generous donations from local parishes and community partners, both of Maria’s children joyfully opened gifts from Yawkey Child Care Center this Christmas morning.  

“It was just amazing,” Maria said. “Catholic Charities is so giving.” 

Learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s child care programs here. To find out how you can support clients, visit our Ways to Give page.