Spring22 papertrn - Flipbook - Page 25
this social element.” And Avery is thriving, too. She’s counting,
learning her colors and constantly singing her favorite song, “The
Wheels on the Bus.”
Through its family-care approach, Haven provides the space for
connection, a true refuge after long periods of pandemic separation. Located at 17 Mendham Road, Haven offers preschool for
children up to age 6, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm.
Parents can work on-site and pick flexible family schedules, such as
half-day or whole day, one to five days a week. The school’s philosophy is a blend of Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia
approaches, meaning it’s sensory play-based and seeks to foster
independence while building self-worth and resilience.
Haven found its home in Gladstone thanks to Bedminster resident Christy Johnson, who joined forces with Britt Riley, the mastermind behind the family-care concept and co-founder of the first
site with Morgan Everson in Newport, RI. “I had the idea and
Christy ran with it,” said Ms. Riley. “Christy introduced us to the
area and the need for quality childcare in the community. It’s a
small town with one main street, and we’re creating a heart for it
by bringing together families who have children in common and
want proximity to childrearing, work and fitness. People coming
together in this space sit at desks, look out the window and bond
over their kids. We have access to different community helpers,
and we become embedded in the community.”
Already, Haven has nestled itself seamlessly into the area, prima-
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The BRJ May/June 2022
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