Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — Alfreda Devare has always had a passion for serving the youth in her Milesville community, first by working as a bus driver and then through her Revelation Knowledge Outreach Center ministry.

Now, she is giving neighborhood families improved access to quality early childhood education through Milesville Guardian Angel Day Care Center, set to open this fall at 125 Ash Street in LaPlace.

Devare said God put it on her heart to open a day care that will meet the needs of underprivileged families in her community. The day care center will be open to children ages 6 months to 5 years, with aftercare available for children up to age 14. Hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“I look at this community where I live as a small, rural area. There are a lot of people in this area who cannot get to the big day cares. Most of the kids in this area are being watched by their parents or grandparents, so they’re not really getting that educational part. They are just getting a babysitter,” Devare said. “Our day care is not going to be just about babysitting. It’s going to offer educational training for children 6 months on up.”

Children at Milesville Guardian Angel Day Care Center will learn fine motor skills, ABCs, 123s, colors, shapes, their name, their address, important phone numbers and much more.

Stations set up around the day care will allow students to learn about health and sanitization. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact the community, Devare said it is important to educate children about the purpose of masks, hygiene and cleaning supplies from an early age. Children will also be introduced to technology using laptops.

“Just about anything you will get in a head start program, we will be offering for children 6 months old through 5 years old. It’s going to be a miniature school,” Devare said.

Longtime educator Stephanie Stevenson will serve as the director of the day care center. According to Devare, all staff members will be highly qualified and must complete background checks through the State of Louisiana.

Since Milesville Guardian Angel Day Care Center will be certified through the state, low-income families can apply for financial assistance through the Child Care Assistance Program. Devare said many local parents should qualify for this program as long as they are working or going to school. More information on the qualifications is available at www.louisianabelieves.com/early-childhood/child-care-assistance-program.

The registration fee for Milesville Guardian Angel Day Care Center is $40 for the first child and $35 for the second child.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

For more information, please call 985-287-2161.