Chelsea and Sophie Watson are pictured.

For Chelsea Watson, going back to school to pursue a nursing degree was a major life decision — one filled with late nights, early mornings, and plenty of uncertainty. As a mother of two, the road ahead was anything but easy. But one thing was certain: her daughter Sophie needed a safe, supportive place to grow.

She found that place at the YMCA’s Heritage House Child Care Center.

“I had heard such great things from friends whose kids went here,” Chelsea said. “When I decided to go back to school, I needed somewhere I felt truly comfortable — not just for my peace of mind, but for Sophie’s growth. Heritage House was that place.”

At first, it wasn’t easy. Sophie, full of personality and energy — “a little wild, very dramatic, with a huge heart” according to her mom — had a hard time adjusting to the structure of daycare. But the team at Heritage House never wavered.

“They were so patient and reassuring,” Chelsea said. “They made it clear that Sophie wasn’t ‘too much,’ that this was normal, and they worked with her — and me — every step of the way.”

“Chelsea set a goal and accomplished it — and she was able to do that because she had reliable child care,” said Ronda Migliore, director of Heritage House. “That trust means everything to us.”

Now, over a year later, Sophie thrives. Her behavior has improved, her confidence is growing, and she’s formed strong bonds with her teachers and classmates. The consistency of seeing familiar faces every day has helped her feel safe, understood, and supported.

“They don’t treat the room like a group of 14 kids,” Chelsea said. “They see each child as an individual. They notice the little things — and they communicate those things with me, good or bad, so I always feel included and informed.”

That kind of individualized care is the heart of Heritage House’s mission, noted Migliore.

“We’re providing a safe, healthy environment for children in place of their parents,” she said. “While parents are at work, or going back to school like in Chelsea’s case, we’re here to make sure they can do that with confidence.”

While Sophie’s transformation has been profound, the impact on Chelsea has been just as powerful.

“Being able to drop her off and know she’s safe — that allowed me to focus fully on my schoolwork,” she said. “I couldn’t have made it through without that peace of mind. It was a huge part of my success.”

Chelsea recently graduated from JCC with her nursing degree and now works variable shifts in the ICU. With a demanding and often unpredictable schedule, the flexibility at Heritage House has been a lifesaver.

“There are days I text and ask, ‘Can she stay a little later?’ and they always work with me,” she said. “They understand how unpredictable health care can be. That kind of support — you just don’t find that everywhere.”

Now, Sophie — part tiny dancer, part hockey fanatic, part builder and dirt-digger — has not only found a second home, but a launchpad. From dancing in the classroom to being a regular on the jumbotron at Erie Otters games, she’s bursting with confidence and curiosity.

“She’s the one who greets new parents or staff when they walk in the room,” Chelsea laughed. “She’ll walk right up and say, ‘What’s your name?’ She keeps everyone on their toes — especially me!”

John Barber, Interim CEO of the Jamestown Area YMCA, said stories like Chelsea and Sophie’s are exactly why the Y exists — and why the association’s annual Partner With Youth campaign is so essential.

“Our child care programs create safe, nurturing spaces that support not just children, but entire families,” Barber said. “Through Partner With Youth, we can make those opportunities accessible to more families across Jamestown — ensuring that every child has a strong start and every parent has the support they need to move forward.”

Looking back, Chelsea says choosing Heritage House was one of the best decisions she’s made as a parent.

“It’s more than just daycare,” she said. “It’s a community. It’s a place that sees your child for who they are and helps them grow. And as a parent, it gives you the confidence and support to grow, too.”