The staff that work with your children promote feelings of security and trust through nurturing, supportive and dependable interactions with each child. Staff are responsive and attentive to each child, encouraging them to explore their world, make first attempts and share in each child's successes!
I attended the University of Connecticut to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. My intention was to teach high school English. I had danced for 25 years (tap, ballet, jazz and Hawaiian) and taught children in my later years at the studio. Also, in college I became a teacher in a daycare center. I found that I loved the younger age groups. Upon graduation, I was offered a full time position with the Hartford Region YWCA. I continued to work for the YWCA child care programs, transferring to Waterbury in 1994. I headed the department bringing enrollment from 55 children to 85 children. When the YWCA closed down unexpectedly in 1996, I went on to teach a program for childcare professionals at a business school.
Our Staff
Gina Rivera
Owner/Director
I missed working with children and had my own daughter by this time. I decided to look for space to open my own daycare center. I opened my first development center in December, 1997, Once Upon A Time Development Center in Milford, CT. It is now 20 years later and we are still going strong where we are licensed for 147 children. I have had 3 of my own children go through the programs, and now have my fourth child in my preschool program. My staff therefore, mean the world to me as they are taking care of my children as well as everybody else’s. I believe in running childcare programs in which every child can be successful. I want to utilize my degree, my knowledge of children and child development and make a positive difference!
I feel that I have had the best of both worlds; that of being a Mom and being able to see my children throughout the day, as well as a professional career. I have owned and run Once Upon A Time Development Center for 19 years. I am on premises every day to oversee the daily running of the center. I am also very involved in the community. I belong to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Milford Rotary Club, and Milford Chamber of Commerce. I am a Founders Club member of the United Way.