Business Spotlight - A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare and Learning Center - By Michelle Libby

One of the toughest jobs a parent has is to leave her child with someone else when she returns to work. Choosing the right daycare is a decision that can haunt a parent, but in Windham there is one daycare center that tries to put parents’ minds at ease. A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare and Learning Center, on Route 302, is a non-denominational center that takes children from six weeks old to sixth grade. Owned by Jennifer White, the business opened in January 1999 and moved to its present location in September 2007.

“Working with children is one of the most rewarding careers. I have to have a lot of patience and a sense of humor. These kids are the future of our world, if we invest in them they are going to give back to us,” White said.

The center is divided up into an infant room, toddler room, pre-school with extended day care and an after school program. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The skills they teach like character development and being a good neighbor are taught using Bible stories. They also focus on the Christian tradition of celebrating holidays.

“When I look at children I see the potential in each child. It’s our job to bring that out and help them discover it,” White said. “You have no idea how it’s going to affect one of these little guy’s lives somewhere down the road – something you say or do.”

A Joyful Noise employs 12 people and turnover is very low. Some people have been with the center for 12 years, White said. For the teachers at A Joyful Noise, “it’s not about punching a clock. You have to have that gift,” said White.

During the school year, the older children have different clubs to keep them occupied. This fall there will be a drama club option for them to choose.

A Joyful Noise also has a big multi-purpose room for when the children can’t get out on one of the two playgrounds. They also have a huge indoor sandbox with sand trucked in from Oregon because it’s the safest sand to use, White said.

A Joyful Noise has openings and gives sibling discounts.

“Staying home with your parent is the best thing, but for some of them this is the best thing,” said White.