New day-care center is family oriented

SUSSEX-Katie Corbett began working in day-care when she was in high school and continued through college at East Stroudsburg University, where she earned a masters degree in health education. Now, Corbett is returning to her roots by opening her own day-care center. Together with her husband, Chris, Corbett on Sept. 26 will open the doors of Family First Academy. She says her goal is to nurture the entire family through the fulfillment of her own dream of running a "family centered business." The Corbetts are long-time county residents. "This is home," said Chris Corbett. "It's been good to us and we want to return the favor." Katie Corbett is also one of the founders of the Skyland Mother's Group, whose membership has grown to more than 50 members since its inception a year ago. The Family First Academy is a licensed child care facility for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years and can accommodate 48 children. Katie Corbett is both head teacher and director, overseeing the daily curriculum, which, she said, is taught by qualified teachers. Children are divided according to age and development level in individual classrooms. Toddlers aged 18 months to three years receive a daily nursery school program, while children ages 3-5 are provided with age-appropriate preschool and pre-kindergarten programs. Infants are cared for according to their specific needs and schedules by staff members who are trained in infant and child CPR. Security is provided by key pad entry. In the future, an individual password will be provided for each student. Each room has a "viewing window," allowing parents to observe children unnoticed, Corbett said. "There are no secrets," she added. "We want everyone to be secure." The center offers a monthly Friday night "date night" from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. and "Mommy Saturdays." "We realize that there just isn't enough time during the week to get everything accomplished," said Corbett, "and Saturdays are usually spent running around doing all those errands." The center will be open 8 a.m.-12 p.m. one Saturday per month and every Saturday during December to accommodate holiday shopping. The academy offers before- and after-school care and has arranged with the Wantage-Sussex school system to be a designated bus stop to pick-up and drop-off children. The owners are offering a tuition credit program for referrals. Another incentive offered is a $10 weekly credit for a sibling, as well as a 10 percent credit for those who pay in full at the beginning of the month. Family First Academy is located at 70-72 East Main Street (Town Centre), Sussex. Hours are 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Family First Academy is open year round, closing for one floating holiday and New Years eve, New Years day, Presidents day, Good Friday, Memorial day, Fourth of July, Labor day, Thanksgiving and following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For information, call 973-875-3211 or e-mail katiecorbett9@hotmail.com.