82 SUCCESS globalfoundries 2010

SM: When did you start your first childcare center?

Linda Moran: I first opened a licensed home childcare center in 1988 after our son John was born. When I had looked for childcare I found that there were not many options, creating a significant need in our area. My husband John and I opened the first center based childcare in 1991. John joined in full-time in 1996.

SM: Your husband John is an integral partner in your operation. What position does he hold in the company?

LM: John manages the finances and maintenance at each center. He has also been instrumental in working with me to develop and design new centers and implement new

programs, in particular, our new outdoor “nature classrooms” at two of our centers.

SM: You are planning to open another location in Malta. Why did you choose this location to expand?

LM: Although we already have two licensed centers in Malta, there is still a need here for quality childcare. Our Malta location is celebrating their fourteenth anniversary this year and the center has always maintained a long waitlist of children waiting to enroll. Malta is anticipating a large influx of new families to the area who will need care for their children. John and I have found a location with three acres of land perfect for childcare that would “showcase” our building nicely. We love the Malta area so much that we built a new home and

recently moved here from Guilderland.

SM: What special programs might you have at this new location in addition to your regular programs?

LM: In addition to our regular programs we are ready to extend our regular hours of operation to help accommodate the needs of our families. We will continue to provide Spanish, dance, Earth awareness, and the healthy bodies healthy minds program at our new site.

SM: How many centers do you have today?

Guilderland Child Care3509 Carman Road | Schenectady, NY 12303

Phone: 518-355-1334 | Fax: 518-355-1398guilderland@mapleleafchildcare.com

Malta Child Care

10 Hemphill Place | Malta, NY 12020Phone: 518-899-4159 | Fax: 518-899-6931

malta@mapleleafchildcare.com

Burnt Hills/Glenville Child Care707 Saratoga Road | Burnt Hills, NY 12027Phone: 518-384-1710 | Fax: 518-384-2017

glenville@mapleleafchildcare.com

Rotterdam/Schenectady Child Care2739 Hamburg Street | Schenectady, NY 12303

Phone: 518-355-2111 | Fax: 518-355-2112rotterdam@mapleleafchildcare.com

Guilderland Child Care

Malta Child Care

Burnt Hills/Glenville Child Care

Rotterdam/Schenectady Child Care

83globalfoundries 2010 SUCCESS

LM: Today we are proud to say that we have five childcare centers that provide jobs for one hundred and ten staff members and a home away from home for four hundred and fifty children! We have locations in Guilderland, Malta, Glenville, and Rotterdam.

SM: The nurturing a child receives is most important during those formative years. What programs do you have for your children?

LM: We offer childcare for children from the ages of six weeks to twelve years old. We offer programs that are developmentally appropriate for children at each level of the child’s development including physical, social-emotional, and cognitive. Each classroom is designed to provide opportunities for fine and gross motor skills, sensory experiences, language development, social development, connections with nature, community building, problem solving, and self-esteem. Part of our curriculum involves beginning Spanish, Earth friendly activities, and physical activity through music and movement. Our children are more than ready for kindergarten when they graduate from Maple Leaf.

SM: Why do you think Maple Leaf has continued to grow and be so successful?

LM: I believe John and I have been successful for many reasons: we have created an environment for children that is safe, caring, clean, and modern. We are

committed and active in our community. We always try to make accommodations for staff, children, and families. I also believe strongly in a place with friendly nurturing staff which I would want for my children. We take pride in what we do and we are happy to say that our children, John and Katie, are now becoming involved with the business. As a family owned and operated business we are able to maintain a personal touch. We are always looking for ways to improve our centers and community. Our most recent accomplishment is creating a program to reconnect children with nature and teaching kids how to keep the Earth clean.

SM: What has been the most difficult time for you since you have begun your childcare centers and how did you overcome your dilemma?

LM: The hardest part of the job is always staffing. Several years back it was difficult to hire and retain staff. Since then we are always looking for ways to attract caring talented people and offer them the most we can. Our salary is very competitive and we offer many benefits such as health, dental insurance, and a retirement fund. We also strive to create a culture of caring and family at our centers. One of our priorities is to recognize the talents of our staff and promote them within our company. April Aldrich, the director in Malta, started as a pre-school teacher and now has been a director in Malta for over six years and has been with us for

over thirteen years. June Darmofal has been the only director of Glenville now celebrating their tenth year anniversary.

SM: What is the most gratifying aspect of caring for your children?

LM: Watching the children grow and become young adults, and building family connections. I am a child at heart and love to see the children getting excited about coming to Maple Leaf and making new friends. When I attend national conferences I love learning about the newest equipment and curriculum for early care—especially science and art—that we can bring to the program. It excites me to think that we can give our kids so many new and stimulating experiences and activities. SM: What future plans do you have for your company?

LM: We would love to continue to grow as long as there is a need for quality childcare in the Capital District. John and I both love creating childcare centers where we can offer the highest quality care for children and their families. Our mission is to give children a great educational start along with many special memories of their years spent at Maple Leaf. Our latest venture was the opening of the Clubhouse @ Maple Leaf, an after school program in Malta. The Clubhouse is filled with antiques including a general store, post office, barber shop, and a real diner. We would love to open more clubhouses when we have the opportunity in the future.