The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Arlene Coleman doesn't run a babysitting agency. The World of Color Childhood Development Center is different from most daycare centers for a couple of reasons. To accommodate the needs of most working parents, she is open from 6 a.m. until midnight, five days a week. She does also care for some students that are special needs such as downs syndrome, depending on the need.

Licensed for 84 students, Coleman has anywhere from 67-70 children on campus on any given day.

Offering guidance for youngsters aged 0-12-years-old, Coleman has two different curriculums.

Mother Goose is a learning program for 2-year-olds and Regency 5 is coordinated with the Beaumont School District for children ages 3-5.

“Some children’s birthday falls wrong,” said Coleman.

She is referring to a child’s birthdate determining what class they are in for the public school system, which puts some children ahead and some behind in their educational development.

By using the 3-5 age spread in her school.

It helps the children be ready when they enter public school no matter when their birthday falls.

At naptime, she uses cots instead of mats. “I don’t like my babies on the floor,” she said.

She is also a uniform facility. She says it prevents inequality in the type of clothes they wear. Some families can’t afford expensive clothes that other might wear. That is also one of the reasons she is having a fundraiser Friday. Many times if a family couldn’t afford uniforms, she has gone into her own pocket to cover the cost. Some of her young teachers told her she should have a fundraiser to cover those costs. Coleman says the girls are very enthusiastic about coming up with projects. “They have much more energy than I do,” said Coleman with a laugh.

The first project will be a fish fry fundraiser held 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday at the school located at 780 Pinchback Road in Beaumont. Pre-sale and same day tickets are available for $8. Meal includes: Fish, rice, green beans, dinner roll and bottled water.

They will deliver six or more dinners in the Beaumont area only. You can call 409-866-7164 to place an order. Dinners are “to go” only.

They will also be having a “Fall Fest” the last Friday in October. Baskets will be raffled off at the October event. Tickets for the baskets are available for purchase now and you do not have to be present to win. Types of baskets include: infant, Bath and Body, Dallas Cowboy and a chocolate basket. Tickets for the baskets are $2 and can be bought through World of Color or Solutions Day Spa, which is in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Dowlen Road in Beaumont.

Plans are also underway for a sleepover lock-in for the girls where they can have fun getting pampered and pretty.

Besides uniforms, proceeds will be used for other student needs and the facility. For more information on any of these projects or for possible enrollment contact the school at 409-866-7164.