Rocky Hill Small Business Spotlight: Pumpkin Patch Preschool

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Pumpkin Patch Preschool and Child Care Center

Website: http://pumpkinpatchchildcare.com/

Address: 11 Kirby Road Cromwell, CT 06416. (860) 635-1809

How did you choose your name?

Children grow here! As with a real pumpkin patch, patience and loving care is needed to cultivate the a healthy crop. We believe that caring for children requires a similar love and care and watching them grow and mature is our greatest reward. We choose a name that signified our devotion to caring for children.

Why choose location? Why start a business in this town?

We choose locations that are easily accessible and convenient. We know that parents want to drop off and get back on the road to their destination. Safety is also a number one concern when choosing a location.

Briefly what business are you in?

We offer full and part time preschool and childcare for infants from six weeks of age to school age children up to twelve years old. Pumpkin Patch has been in business for 37 years. We see ourselves as both a school and a home away home for the children in our care. We also offer before school, after school, and summer camp programs as well as occasional care for parents with rotating work schedules.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as an owner?

There have been many challenges over the years. When the economy suffers our enrollment suffers too. We have striven to work hard to provide quality, economical childcare- a premium education at a smart price!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

We are a family business in the business for families. Running our business is a 24 hour, seven day a week job. It is sometimes hard to be “home from work.” We often work late at night and even on vacation. But we have a passion for this business and have been in it for 37 years so it is a part of us day in and day out.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Seeing alumni come in to register their own children!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had to put into practice?

We reformatted our curriculum to include cutting edge literacy and math concepts at an early age. We find that our four year-olds are well prepared for kindergarten and have gotten good feedback from families and educators.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

With the same love and patience we use every day in our classrooms. We understand that every parent wants the best for their child and so do we. We use that common goal to help us find common ground.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We are an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and have had teams participate in Relay for Life, award scholarships, sponsor baseball teams and donate to local organizations. We also chose to support a local Connecticut charity, Matthews Hearts of Hope, which supports hospitalized children with heart defects and funds small research grants that directly influence patient care. We chose this charity after a member of our family gave birth to a baby with a congenital heart defect.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.