Historic moment for the Kingstown day Nusery

The Kingstown Day Nursery which has been in existence over the last 56 years held its first graduation ceremony on July 18, 2006. The ceremony took place under the theme “We care them, nurture them and watch them grow”.

The records of the Nursery show property of the Kingstown Day Nursery; formerly The Kingstown Creche was given to the Infant Welfare Committee by deed on April 4, 1940 by Mary Cropper. Gladys Webb who was assisted by a committee established for that purpose had started the Creche.{{more}} President Alice Tonks headed the committee, Webb served as Vice-President and manager, while Miss Jacobs did the secretarial work and Mrs. Cox managed the finances.

The objective of the Saint Vincent Infant Welfare and Maternity League was to assist all mothers and children, who were in need, as far as the resources of the League would permit, and to establish and maintain Day Nurseries. From 1940 to 1953 Sister Jessie Priddie who currently resides at Upper Edinboro looked after mothers and babies at the Creche.

In October 1953, due to disrepair, the Creche was demolished and a new building erected on the same site to accommodate 20 babies only. In those days and for several more years the infant mortality rate was extremely high with many deaths from malnutrition and gastroenteritis. These malnourished children were accepted as a priority and given special attention.

The two longest serving supervisors who gave excellent service were Thelma Wyllie, who served the nursery for 30 years, and Bernice Douglas, 15 years along with Jessie Preddie worked with the institution from its inception, were recognized for their service at the ceremony. Catherine Clarke now fills the supervisor’s position. Today, 46 children are on the register and range in ages from six months to five years. They are managed in three groups from six months to 2 1/2 yrs, Toddlers 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 yrs, and “Pre- Schoolers” 3 1/2 to 5yrs. The Nursery continues to provide a good grounding for their subsequent education at Primary School level. A three-member Board of Directors manages the Nursery: K. Cyrus, M. Iton and Sis. Y. Labbay.