Green Lily Behavioral Health to offer inclusive, intensive child care for preschoolers

Jeff Kiger, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
·2 min read
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May 10—ROCHESTER — Derek and Michelle Buscovick are launching Green Lily Behavioral Health in Rochester as an inclusive preschool child care option for children with emotional or physical issues.

Derek Buscovick, who works at Rochester Public Schools as a mental health practitioner, described Green Lily as "an intensive child care" center. They hope to care for and educate children from 16 months old to kindergarten age, who have difficulty flourishing in traditional child care settings.

"We've been hearing from parents that they're struggling to keep care, because of their behavioral issues or other issues. I've always wanted to help. That's where my mindset has always been," he said. "We thought maybe early intervention could be the key to helping these kids to manage their emotions, to manage their behaviors or whatever it is that they're struggling with that's keeping them from mainstream childcare. We want to help that before they reach kindergarten."

While Derek Buscovick has years of experience with children with behavioral issues, Michelle Buscovick has cared for neurodivergent children in an in-home child care setting. She also has a master's degree in education and helped Rochester Public Schools create a program for middle school students needing an alternative learning environment. Michelle Buscovick will serve as Green Lily's director.

They hope to be able to open the doors of Green Lily in June. The center is located at 2518 North Broadway Ave. on the back side of the Express Employment Professionals building. Realtor Darci Fenske of Paramark Real Estate brokered the real estate deal between the tenant and the landlord.

Green Lily is expected to have a capacity of up to 48 children. The plan is to have 10 people — five teachers and five aides — on staff, not including the Buscovicks.