‘Mama Bear’ caring for ‘cubs’ in Fort Fairfield
FORT FAIRFIELD — While most bears have gone into hibernation this time of year, one family has gone into business. In early October, families in central Aroostook County received a new option for the care and instruction for their kids as Heather Beaulieu and her daughter, Paige, opened Mama Bear Daycare at the former Puddledock Recreation Center located at 38 Dorsey Rd.
Photo courtesy of Tim Goff/Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Dec. 30 for Mama Bear Daycare in Fort Fairfield. Pictured at the event are, in front from left: Kayla Hawlo; Isabelle Kemeson; Ella Saunders; Paige Beaulieu, co-owner; and Lainey Rochford. Middle row: Kaydence Doughty; Samantha Beaulieu; Jaxen West; Heather Beaulieu, co-owner; and Ellis Rochford. Back row: Carolyn Dorsey and Kim Jones (both representing the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce; and Town Councilor Jason Barnes. 
“The spacious facility, with a large playground just steps from its door, is the perfect location to teach young kids,” explained Heather.
“We aim to offer safe, secure and nurturing child care at all times. Paying close personal attention to each child is essential to providing a quality experience for all children, ” she added.
Working with children is in Heather’s blood, being she’s a mother of five. She also operated a home daycare for 12 years prior to becoming a foster parent in 2005, and most recently worked at the Fort Fairfield Elementary School.
Paige, the mother of 4-month-old Ellis, has also worked with children most of her life. She was a swim instructor at the Fort Fairfield municipal pool for seven years and also worked at the Fort Fairfield Elementary School as an instructor for 21st Century and as a substitute teacher.
Heather is not only a battle-tested mother and grandmother, but she is also a cook, having spent five years whipping up nutritious and delicious meals for kids in the Fort Fairfield Elementary School kitchen. Now those talents are put to use on a daily basis making sure her “cubs” — even the picky ones — get healthy snacks and meals. All of the meals and snacks they provide are included in the cost of care.
To celebrate their recent opening, Mama Bear Heather and daughter Paige held a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning, Dec. 30, giving everyone the opportunity to check out Mama Bear’s den.
Mama Bear Daycare’s operating hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information about Mama Bear Daycare, call Heather or Paige at 207-472-3333 or email Paige.e.beaulieu@gmail.com or Heatherhayesbeaulieu@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
