• Our Story: A Journey of Love, Struggle, and Purpose

  Our journey began in 2020, when Patty and Chris, along with their daughter Deirdre, welcomed a sweet and beautiful baby boy into their lives through adoption.

  His name was Anthony, but everyone lovingly calls him “Ant.” From the moment Ant entered their world, it was clear that their family was about to embark on a path filled with unexpected challenges, but also immense growth and understanding.

  Within six months of bringing Ant home, Patty and Chris noticed that he wasn’t reaching the same developmental milestones that their daughter had.

  His reactions to everyday experiences seemed different, and they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Concerned and seeking answers, they consulted their pediatrician.

  At first, they were reassured with the response that every child grows at their own pace and there was nothing to worry about.

  However, Patty couldn’t ignore what her heart was telling her, and deep down, she knew something was wrong.

  Ant was enrolled in a well-known daycare facility, but Patty noticed that every time she dropped him off, he seemed overwhelmed and withdrawn. The noise and chaotic environment seemed to shut him down, and she would often watch in heartache as he clung to her in the car, crying with frustration, as though he had spent the entire day holding in his emotions and struggles.

  It was a mother’s intuition that told her he was not thriving in that environment, and something needed to change.

  After many sleepless nights and heartfelt discussions, Patty and Chris made a difficult decision: one of them would leave their job to stay home and care for Ant full-time.

  They knew that they had to give him the space and support he needed to flourish. Chris stepped up, leaving his job to be by Ant’s side, while he embarked on the long, emotional journey of seeking answers.

  Together, as a family, they consulted countless specialists, and over the course of three years, they finally received the diagnosis that would shape their future: Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Ant was considered nonverbal.

  While the diagnosis provided some clarity, it also brought new challenges. Determined to find the right support for their son, Patty and Chris enrolled Ant in an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) program with the public school system.

  They were hopeful that this would be the solution they had longed for—the right environment and support to help Ant thrive.

  However, they soon discovered that their hopes were dashed. The ESE program was wonderful, but it did not include before or after-school care. If Ant were to stay for the extended learning day, he would be placed in a cafeteria with other children, where the noise and stimulation would overwhelm him.

  There was no separation, no accommodations, and no understanding of his unique needs.

  Once again, Patty and Chris found themselves in a difficult situation. They realized that they would have to make sacrifices to ensure Ant’s needs were met.

  They made the difficult decision to pull him from the extended learning day and adjust their schedules once again to ensure that Ant received the proper care and attention he deserved.

  This struggle—the endless search for the right care, the constant advocacy, and the countless compromises—became the driving force behind Ant’s Farm Childcare Center.

  Patty and Chris had experienced firsthand the frustration of not having the right support for a child with unique needs, and they knew they weren’t alone.

  They understood that there were many other families in their community facing the same struggles, searching for a place where their children would be understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

  Ant’s Farm Childcare Center was born from this journey—a place where children on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders can thrive in a safe, nurturing, and customized environment.

  Patty and Chris’s personal experience has shaped the very foundation of the center, and they are committed to providing the care they longed for their son—a space where every child feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter what challenges they may face.

  Ant’s story is more than just a diagnosis; it is a story of love, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for children like him. It is a reminder that with the right support, every child can reach their full potential, and no family should have to face these challenges alone.

  At Ant’s Farm Childcare Center, we don’t just care for children; we create a community of hope, understanding, and compassion. And, as Ant’s journey continues to unfold, we are honored to be a part of so many other children’s stories—helping them grow, thrive, and feel truly at home.

• Imagine now, a center where every detail is designed with these unique students and all students in mind. From the lighting used, the playground installed, the curriculum taught, the food served, the team hired… everything is curated just for these children by real-life caregivers and professionals.
• Ants Farm is not a medical facility or a therapist office. Ants Farm is an inclusive child care center built from the ground-up for all students of all abilities to learn, grow, and flourish.

• Inclusivity: We embrace and celebrate the diversity of every child, creating a welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued and understood.
• Empathy:  We approach each child and family with compassion and sensitivity, recognizing and responding to their unique sensory and developmental needs with kindness and patience.
• Personalized Care: We commit to tailoring our programs and interventions to fit the individual strengths and challenges of each child, ensuring they receive the most effective support for their growth.
• Respect: We honor the individuality of every child, promoting self-expression and autonomy while ensuring that their dignity and rights are always upheld.
• Safety: We prioritize a secure and safe environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive with confidence.
• Growth and Learning: We are dedicated to fostering a love for learning and discovery, providing opportunities that challenge and engage each child according to their abilities and interests.
• Communication: We maintain open, transparent, and respectful communication with families, ensuring they are informed and involved in their child’s journey.

At our core, we nurture each child’s unique potential in a loving, inclusive environment that fuels their natural enthusiasm for exploration, growth, and community.

We view every child as highly capable and full of limitless possibilities, regardless of their current abilities or perceived challenges.

This philosophy also extends to how we partner—with agencies and businesses that share our commitment to innovation, embracing cutting-edge technologies and programs that elevate the learning experience for all.