Small Business Spotlight: The Children's Clubhouse, LLC

Simsbury Small Business Spotlight is a new weekly feature that will highlight a vital piece of the fabric of any small town—small businesses. The following is an interview conducted with Lori Segar and Michelle Mullin, owners of The Children's Clubhouse.

This week's spotlight business was recommended by Simsbury Main Street Partnership.

When did your business open? Is it locally-owned?

We opened our business in 1999- we often chuckle when we think about the two 24-year-olds going to all the town meetings, convincing the bankers, lawyers and landlords that we knew what we were doing. We were granted the town's blessing, and were open for business in June. That fall Meg came to us as an intern, sharing the same passion for educating young minds, and quickly became an integral part of the administration at The Clubhouse. The three of us work together with a staff of 18, whose longevity and dedication to the children at The Clubhouse is so truly valued.      

We are absolutely locally- owned, currently three of Lori's children are enrolled in Simsbury schools. We are strong advocates of other local businesses, particularly our local farming community. We know that supporting our community not only brings us closer as people, but creates a healthier economic environment for all residents.

What types of services/products do you offer?

We are a daycare and preschool, providing care for children aged 6 weeks to 13 years. We have crossed education with the nurturing and consistency that children require to learn at their highest potential, and our programs are committed to providing numerous opportunities to develop their social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills. Children are allowed to develop in each of these areas at their own pace. Using current research in the progression of child development, children are provided with appropriate activities allowing them to thrive in our environment.

Why did you decide to open your business in Simsbury?       

Having combined experiences in child care all over Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, it is evident that Simsbury has that unique close- knit, hometown feel. The parents are actively committed to the well- being of their children, and education is truly a priority. The town is dedicated to fostering small business opportunities, and we felt the embrace of that support as we navigated our way through the process of opening our facility.

What is your mission/goal as a Simsbury business owner?     

To be a part of bringing this wonderful community even closer. Upon walking through the doors, we hope that you notice the unique way in which our center operates. The intent is to distinguish ourselves from the rest, to see how different can make a difference. Our position as caregivers provides us with a unique opportunity to be active members of a solid support system for our families. We host functions to help spark the connections that can turn a group of strangers into friends, we maintain communications that help keep everyone in the loop, and hopefully at the end of the day, we all know each other's names (or at least their child's name!)     

Earlier, we referenced the longevity of our teachers- their commitment to The Clubhouse speaks volumes about the level of care that we provide for our families. Consistency is crucial to building trust in any relationship, especially with young children. It is a great source of pride for us that our teachers have been with us so long.    

We have also stayed in touch with many of our graduating families- several of our teachers are also Clubhouse Alumni, and we enjoy being a continued part of their lives. Fostering these relationships are what makes our enormous world a little bit more cozy.

How did you get your start?     

We all have our degrees in Early Childhood Education- there's never been a question about where we wanted to be and what we wanted to do- the  desire to teach young children is absolutely a calling, and it appeals to every facet of our personalities. The richness and depth of intensity that every day brings to us cannot be found elsewhere, and it is the very thing that draws us out of bed each day.      

Is there anything else you’d like to share?       

As we approach our 14th year of business, we would like to thank the Clubhouse families for all the love and support you have provided over the years. Every day that you bring your children in the door is another day that you're saying to us, "We believe in you." Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child's life.

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business: The Children's Clubhouse, L.L.C. 
Owners: Lori Segar, Michelle Mullin
Address: 6 Hartford Rd, Weatogue CT 06089
Phone number: (860) 651-0064
Hours: 7am- 7pm
Website: www.thechildrensclubhouse.com