New daycare opens in Tillsonburg

Naila Saeed, founder and CEO of Eyes Child Care, stands among staff, franchise owners, development owners, and municipal representatives to cut the ribbon on the new daycare. The facility is the first new daycare spaces in town in more than a decade. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Eyes Child Care is open and has room for students.

Located at 361 Quarter Town Line, the new facility has 98 spots and creates the first new daycare spaces in more than a decade.. The modern, bright building is used to teach a child-centered daycare approach. The building is divided up into different areas, designed to meet the needs of age groups ranging from six weeks to six years.

“Our curriculum is designed to help children develop strong roots of character, values and belonging while providing wings of confidence, creativity, and curiosity,” said supervisor Jessica Champeau.

Naila Saeed, founder and CEO of Eyes, was in attendance at the opening. Asked why the business located in Tillsonburg, she answered, “Tillsonburg is a beautiful city. It needed a quality day care.”

Eyes' curriculum was developed over the last 10 years, drawing on practices from around the world.

The 5,500 square-foot facility will employ 18 to 22 people when it’s fully operational. The first students started last week. More are gradually being added over the coming weeks. It’s a franchise location, owned by Sam Qasmi and Tazeen Khan.

The hours will be Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“If the community needs extra hours, or weekends, and if there’s the need, we will provide that service,” Saeed said.

The big question for many parents is whether Eyes qualifies for the $ 10-per-day daycare. Saeed said an application has been filed with the county for subsidization, and they are waiting for an answer.

Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy, who was at the ribbon cutting along with other council members, said the child care spaces are needed in Oxford County.

“The Town of Tillsonburg is lucky to get this branch new facility to open up more spaces in the community,” she said. “It’s an exceptional, well-designed space that’s developed appropriately for the age of the children.”