Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
EXPERIMENT — Checking out one of the Infinity Learning Center’s work stations and doing an experiment are, from left, front, Diana Hardy, owner; and Grace Hardy; back, Owen Hanning and Michael Hardy.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Looking to engage your children in activities that go beyond a normal daycare setting? A new learning center has opened at 40 North St. and offers the best of both worlds.
The Infinity Learning Center opened in January and is operated by Diana Hardy.
“Since I’ve started working full-time, I think about how difficult it is to balance all the responsibilities of being a working parent,” she said.
Hardy came up with the idea for a learning center to help alleviate some stress in parents’ lives, while also “enhancing the lives of children,” she added. “The name Infinity Learning Center came from the idea that children are so different from each other. They learn in different ways and grow in different ways. Learning and knowledge is so infinite!”
Infinity Learning Center is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2:15-5:30 p.m. and Tuesday 2:45 -5:30 p.m. On a daily basis, 12 slots are available to children ages 5-12. Children can take a bus to the center or may be dropped off privately. Child care is available after school, on snow days, during school vacations and during the summer break.
Hardy has a master’s in special education along with a bachelor of science in elementary education and child development and family relations. She has worked with children of all ages and all abilities in a number of settings.
“The other staff members have a variety of experience with children including home support, community inclusion and school support,” Hardy explained.
“Our daily routine will be based on a structured child-led, teacher-directed schedule,” said Hardy. “Each day of the week will sponsor a different extra-curricular activity. There is snack time, home work help, free time, as well as other activities that form out of the children’s interest and needs.”
Infinity Learning Center’s extracurricular programs include a variety of interests such as academic support to some sports-related activities. The center will be open to art and music lessons, homework help, as well as math, reading and science clubs and even kickboxing.
“Having the extracurricular activities come to the children makes it easier on the parent and also allows the children opportunities they might not have otherwise,” said Hardy. “All extra-curricular activities are optional.”
For example, the extracurricular time is Tai Chi, offered on a Thursday. If a child attends that day, but does not want to participate in the program, a different activity is offered.
“We want to include the extra-curricular time because it is difficult for working parents to get their children ‘here and there’ after a full day of work,” Hardy noted.
“The extra curricular activities offered are included in the daily cost of child care,” said Hardy.
Hardy also invites home-schooled children to participate in group activities with like-minded peers.
“Parents of home-schooled children can also take the opportunity to run errands or attend appointments while their children engage in fun, academically stimulating activities,” she added.
Hardy’s short-term goal for Infinity Learning Center is to continue offering a wide range of activities to children.
“I would like to vary the extra-curricular activities to the interests of the children,” she said. “I would like to possibly offer tutoring in the near future.”
Another aspect of Infinity Learning Center that may appeal to parents is their “Parent Date Nights” that will be planned for either a Friday or Saturday evening from 5-9 p.m.
“Parents would be able to purchase a slot on those pre-arranged nights for their child,” Hardy explained. “The slot includes supper, games and a movie. The children will be entertained and cared for while the parents enjoy a quiet night out.”
Hardy is hoping that the Infinity Learning Center will be viewed as more than just a daycare, as she offers learning materials and educational group activities for a true learning experience.
Hardy hopes that her Infinity Learning Center will stand out among the local caregivers because of its “quality of care, fantastic opportunities and the convenience for parents.”
For more information, call Hardy at Infinity Learning Center 570-0081 or email infinitylearningcenter@ymail.com or www.infinitylearningcenter.weebly.com.
