For anyone who is around children, you know caring for them is a job, and a privilege. Its also something a local business owner and her staff take seriously.

They work to maintain a reputable status by state standards, and in the local community. 

"It's more than just babysitting," said Nadine Leach. "We're raising children."

Nadine leach is the CEO of Handled with Care Childcare Facility in downtown Erie.  Its located along State Street, and since she opened in 2009, she expanded and bought the building.

"I felt it was important for children to see that as well. Me being a minority and a female," said Nadine. 

There's about 120 children who attend the facility, ranging in age from 6 weeks old to twelve years old.

School age children can be transported to and from school. There's before care, after care and all day care offered at Handled with Care.

"We are a part of their life," said Nadine. "They're here for some 8 to 10 hours a day, you know, five days a week. So, some of them are here longer than they are at home." 

Those spending the day are provided two meals and a snack. The food is prepared in-house by the facility's cook. She's one of more than a dozen staff members caring for the kids, overseeing nap time, playtime, and a curriculum

Nadine, says this is more than just a daycare, this is actually a place to prepare the children.

"They have to be prepared for kindergarten. And so it's out job to engage in that and start that," said Nadine. 

Nadine says she takes this mission seriously. She keeps up daily communication about the kids through an app but enjoys getting to know each child by name, and the joys they bring. 

Nadine is always looking for more, qualified staff. Within the next year, she hopes to make more updates and improvements to the foundation she's already laid.