New family-owned childcare business provides hourly daycare services for New Bern children
Are you in need of a sitter for just a few hours while you do some shopping, meet a friend for lunch or that long awaited date night? A new business in New Bern is here to help.
Little Cubs Drop-In Childcare, a family-owned business, opened at 903 Pine Tree Drive in New Bern on Nov. 6.
Co-owner and operator Nicole Hague is a registered nurse who has worked many years in the medical field in pediatrics and labor and delivery. She has worked at Carteret Health Care and Vidant Medical Center.
In 2018, Hague decided to become a stay-at-home mom but still had a deep desire to work with and care for children. She began to work part-time at Temple Preschool and in August 2021 put a plan in motion with her family members to open the childcare service.
Nicole's mother, Barbara Rice, who is the proud grandmother of 11 and shares her daughter's love for children is a partner and caregiver for the business.
Matt Boswell, co-owner and Nicole's husband, said their family saw a need for this type of service in the area.
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"There was a business in James City and Playdate on Glenburnie Road that offered this type of service and they both have closed," said Boswell. "My wife and I think its a valuable service to parents and decided to go for it."
Once a building was located, it took about two months to get it open for business.
"The building was formerly Kinder House, a daycare service so we didn't have a lot to do to get it ready," said Boswell. "It was mainly cosmetic work that we had to have done."
Little Cubs Drop-in Daycare is an hourly drop-in daycare that allows children 12 months to 12 years of age to be cared for up to 4 hours a day. There are special allowances for school holidays and breaks.
There are separate play areas for toddlers just learning to walk as well as a separate gaming and TV room for children who are older.
Cost is $9/hour for the first child and $6 for each additional sibling. There is a $25 initial registration fee that will be charged on the first visit.
Lunchables of ham or turkey and cheese and a yogurt can be provided for an additional $4. Parents are welcome to bring a meal for their child.
Due to allergies to nuts, the business has a policy not to allow peanuts or peanut products at the center.
Hours are 9 to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The business is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
For more information, email littlecubsnewbern@gmail.com, call 252-631-2550 or visit them online at littlecubsnb.com.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Little Cubs Childcare opens providing drop-in services for parents
