Catholic Charities Boston Child Care Teachers Bring Compassion, Dedication to The Classroom

An internship at Catholic Charities Boston’s Malden Child Care Center solidified Jonathan Berlus’ pursuit of a career in early childhood education. 

Karen Hunt decided to return to work part-time as a teacher at the same Malden Child Care Center after initially retiring following a 20-year career. 

And Toya Mitchell says that since she started working at Catholic Charities’ Yawkey Child Care Center, the agency has felt like home. 

These are just some of the dedicated teachers who are the backbone of Catholic Charities’ child care program, providing nurturing support and instruction to about 1,000 children across Eastern Massachusetts. 

Berlus, who currently teaches 3- and 4-year-olds at Catholic Charities Labouré Center, said he was originally considering studying to work with kindergarten to second graders until his internship. 

“What I like most about the (3- and 4-year-old) age group is that there are so many different milestones you can keep up with,” explained Berlus. “They are practicing manners, writing their names, making a line; it’s all these skills and habits that people use on a daily basis.” 

As an early childhood teacher, Berlus said it is just as important to know the curriculum and theories as it is to just be there for the kids. 

The Yawkey Child Care Center celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with an 80’s-theme day.

Mitchell, who has worked at the Yawkey Child Care Center since 2018, remembered one girl in her class who had never been to daycare before and was very shy. At first, she became attached to Mitchell and would cry anytime Mitchell was not with her. But as time passed, the young girl opened up to other teachers, and when it was time for her to start preschool, she did amazingly well with the transition. 

“I loved watching her grow into a smart and confident preschooler,” Mitchell said.

Hunt started working for Catholic Charities in 2005. She noted that while today’s preschoolers certainly have more screen time, there is not much difference between the children she cares for today and those she cared for 20 years ago. 

“The world is a lot busier today,” said Hunt. “But all kids want is to be loved. They are looking for that hug or help tying their shoe.” 

Hunt added that while she enjoyed her retirement starting in 2023, she felt the pull back to the Malden Child Care Center. 

“I’ve been very blessed at Catholic Charities,” Hunt said. “I missed the connection with the students and staff (during retirement). The staff here is really nice, and the core of the agency is a really caring place.” 

Mitchell echoed Hunt’s view of the strong connections between the child care staff. 

“There is a real sense of community,” Mitchell added. “We are a family here. If I need help with something, I can easily go to one of the teachers or the director.”