By Hanna Broderick – Staff Reporter

As COVID-19 continues to keep most people homebound, there are millions of essential workers who put themselves at a higher risk for the well-being of the rest of our nation.

People often recognize and thank doctors and nurses, as they should, because they are our front line of defense in this pandemic. However, it is important that people also recognize other essential workers who are continuing to work and keep this country running. 

Emily Broderick, a preschool teacher and Jonathan Law alum, works at Bunny Village Daycare in Shelton, CT.

“I love Bunny Village because it gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of being a teacher and working with kids,” Broderick said. 

Currently, the only children at Bunny Village are those whose parents are essential and continue to go into work.

“The kids miss their friends who are home during this time,” Broderick said. “But it has been a great opportunity to give kids who are there the one-on-one attention that they might not get in a full classroom.”

In addition to remaining open, Bunny Village has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of the children in their care. They have been following new strict protocol to optimize the health throughout the building.

Broderick explains this protocol as, “checking temperatures as children come in the door, teachers wearing masks, extra hand washing, and leaving all classrooms open in order to maximize space between children.” 

It is a big adjustment for Bunny Village and daycares alike, but the teachers are always willing to do anything to let kids be kids and not have to worry.

In an effort to keep things as normal for the kids as possible, Bunny Village is going the extra mile to keep structure and schedule in the school day despite not having a full classroom. They are also trying to send home lesson plans for the kids who are not coming in every day.

“We want to do everything we can to keep the kids happy and healthy,” Broderick said. “Even if it means that us teachers have to do a little extra work.”

Broderick, along with her coworkers have one goal in mind, and that is, doing exactly what they need to help the kids at Bunny Village thrive.

“Despite the current situation, it’s my job to grow and learn with my kids, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Broderick said.