Tiverton Childcare Celebrates 40 Years of Nurturing Young Minds

Sakonnet Early Learning Center, a cornerstone of early childhood education in Tiverton, Rhode Island, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Originally established as a nursery school in 1984 by local resident Deborah Murphey Raposa, the center has evolved into a full-fledged childcare facility that continues to uphold its founding mission: providing experiences that delight, inspire, and capture the spirit of children.

Since its humble beginnings, Sakonnet Early Learning Center has grown in both size and reputation. The center has earned a prestigious 5-star rating from BrightStars, reflecting its commitment to high-quality early childhood education. Over the years, the center has adapted to the changing needs of families, incorporating modern technology and even social media to enhance communication between parents and educators. Through the use of apps, parents can now stay connected to their child's day-to-day activities, ensuring a seamless blend of home and school life.

Deborah Murphey Raposa, who has lived in Tiverton her entire life, remains a central figure at the center. Her passion for education and the well-being of children is evident in every aspect of the facility she built from the ground up, helping hundreds of students and children throughout her journey at Sakonnet. Remarkably, her oldest daughter was part of the first graduating class, a testament to the center’s deep roots in the community.

"My staff and I know that the comfort and confidence in knowing their youngster is spending his or her days in a loving, caring environment is priceless. While a degree in the field is a valuable commodity (I hold a degree in education and child psychology) a diploma is secondary when compared to the natural love of children enjoyed by our entire staff." -Murphey Raposa

The success of Sakonnet Early Learning Center is also attributed to the dedicated staff, including the assistant director, Jenn Magnan, who has been with the center for an impressive 21 years. Together, they have created a nurturing environment where children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and intellectual needs are met through a well-rounded developmental program.

As Sakonnet Early Learning Center marks this significant milestone, it continues to be a beacon of quality childcare and education in the region, staying true to its original vision while embracing the future.