St. Augustine Child Enrichment Center

As a working mom, Tiffany understands the importance of early childhood and quality daycare. 18 years ago, she was an aide at St. Augustine Towers assisted living community when she enrolled her 9-month-old daughter in the St. Augustine Child Enrichment Center.

“The teachers are amazing, and the environment is challenging for children. They aren’t just sitting in their walkers. My daughter learned to tie her shoes, get potty trained, write her name and prepare for kindergarten. She was even ready to be bumped up a grade.”

The center also engages children with older residents on the St. Augustine Health Campus. Intergenerational activities helped Tiffany’s daughter become comfortable with the elderly, and eventually inspired her decision to enter nursing school.

Those same St. Augustine teachers provided loving and transformative care for Tiffany’s infant son, born premature and on a heart monitor when he entered the childcare center at six weeks old. “They were very supportive, helping him with sitting up, walking, and later when he struggled with ADHD, they brought in trained teachers to work with him.” That son is 15 now and thriving in high school.

Tiffany is thrilled to have her four-year-old daughter currently enrolled in this nurturing atmosphere where children learn, develop and interact with older residents, from holiday activities to field trips. “And it’s priced affordably, with diverse families from all different backgrounds. Children are in small groups with multiple teachers, and it’s more like school than daycare. They even teach music and sign language. Some of the same teachers are still there, with very little turnover. St. Augustine is truly the best. They’ve been like family to me!”