Coco’s creche and Montessori school is situated at 9 Auburn Heights, Athlone and is managed by Elaine Geoghan.
Elaine is originally from Rahara, Co Roscommon, and attended the national Childcare Institute in Dublin where she studied for two years and gained a national diploma in early education. She then went on to take up other courses in childcare, which are renewed every few years.
Elaine worked for several years in Dublin as a nursery manager in a creche in Blackrock before returning to Athlone to set up Coco’s Creche with her husband Patrick. Elaine’s two children Thomas (5 ) and Sarah (2 ) both attend the creche.
It now has a staff of five full-time staff and one part-time member of staff. “I am very fortunate, I have the same stuff are all fully qualified and give me great help and support,” says Elaine.
Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm. They have a babyroom, toddler room (playgroup ) and a Montessori class. There is also a facility to accommodate after school children.
Elaine feels there is an increase in the demand for quality childcare. Parents can be assured at Coco’s Creche that their children are happy and being cared for in a safe, secure environment. “We pride ourselves on creating a home away from home,” explained Elaine.
Late last year she put in place an all-weather outdoor play area and recently added new trikes and scooters to the play area. “It’s great to have this outdoor area as the children get plenty of fresh air which is so important,” said Elaine
“I am a member of the National Children’s Nursery Association. On occasion we have visits from the Health Board and the Environmental Health Department, and all staff have had Garda clearance,” she explained.
All food is prepared on a daily basis in the creche. It is purchased from the local butcher and nearby shops. Elaine has a certificate in food hygiene and has completed a HACCP course. Coco’s Creche provide a morning snack and dinner each day, children who attend the morning session from 9am to 2pm also get a home-cooked meal before going home.
There is always a settling-in period for new children starting in Coco’s Creche, and staff are always there to help them through, comfort, and reassure them, and their parents are welcome to call in at anytime or phone during the day.
Coco’s Creche is bright, warm, and homely with lots of books, puzzles, toys, etc in all the rooms.
For more information contact Elaine on (090 ) 6487875.
They are currently taking bookings for September 2009 and summer camps in July and August which include lots of activities and trips to local places of interest.
