You’re invited! Sonbeam celebrates 40 years of childcare

Longtime Sonbeam staff member Cheryl Hodgson points out some memorable moments over the years as Sonbeam Christian Daycare celebrates 40 years in downtown Tillsonburg. Hodgson joined the staff in May 1987 during the first year of operation. (Robin Krafft Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Correspondent

Sonbeam Christian Daycare is inviting the community to join the celebration of their 40th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an Open House.

The nonprofit licensed childcare facility, located at 119 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg, was established in 1986 by Bethel Pentecostal Church (then Bethel Temple) and has served hundreds of children and families in Tillsonburg and the surrounding area.

Sonbeam features programs for children ages 18 months to 6 years and they currently have 10 toddler and 40 preschool spaces. Their registration is full and there is a significant waiting list for their high-quality programs that aim to meet all the developmental needs of the child.

"We place emphasis on social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development through the environment and guidance based on Christian love and growth," Director Emily Smyth said. "We consider all children competent, capable, curious and rich in potential."

Smyth started working as a supply staff member at Sonbeam in 2016.

"We are the lucky ones who get to help expand the children's interests through play and support their development and growth," Smyth said. "We do this in various ways, but one of our favorite ways is going out into the community!"

When Bethel Pentecostal Church was planning a new build on Quarter Town Line, there was some discussion about Sonbeam moving with them.

"This location was and is still ideal for us," Smyth said. "We are able to visit the 'grandmas and grandpas' at a variety of retirement/nursing homes, and the Tillsonburg VON program. We also love being able to go to our local fire, police, EMS stations, the library, other local parks, and take nature walks in Participark. We are able to go to the complex in the spring and summer for swimming lessons. We attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph, and we love walking downtown and saying hi to the citizens and puppies of Tillsonburg! We love how involved we are with our community; it is a big part of who we are.”

Sonbeam has a dedicated staff and excellent retention, with some staff members recently retired after 35 years of service, and others who have been in program for 20 to 25 years, and counting.

"I might be biased, but Sonbeam has the best staff!" Smyth said. "We are a family! Cheryl Hodgson is my last original staff member. We opened in September 1986, and she started in May of 87. She has seen it all and I lovingly refer to her as our corporate memory.”

"People ask me how I've done it for so long," Hodgson said. "Every year is different. Every child is different. Every day is different. It's rewarding to see their growth, seeing them excel."

Hodgson is now in the office, as financial administrator, but she has fulfilled many roles over the years. She noted that everyone gets along; it’s a team approach. In the highly collaborative staff environment, everyone is often asked to weigh in on decisions and share their vision, including what they wanted in the new playground, currently being installed in the parkette between Sonbeam and the Station Arts Centre.

"We hope it will be completed before the Open House," Smyth said. "We made our playground bigger. This way, the whole daycare can be outside at once. Outdoor time is a large part of our program, so it will be great not having to interrupt children having meaningful play just because they have to take turns using the park. Sonbeam is actually purchasing the land our park sits on, (from the Town of Tillsonburg), ensuring that we can remain open for many years to come!”

Staff have been busy preparing for the anniversary celebration, which will include sensory activities, crafts, a bouncy obstacle course, door prizes, and "Where are they now?" displays featuring children and families who have attended Sonbeam over the years.

"The event is open to the community," Smyth said. "We would love to see past families and past staff. If you're curious to see the building or are on the waiting list, staff will be here and you can ask questions."