RANGELEY – Little Ones Playcare, formerly known as Healthy Beginnings Childcare Center, has opened its doors under the direction of owner and operator Belle White.

“I wasn’t going to do it at first,” said White. “I had a million excuses not to. Then a group of parents who had children at Healthy Beginnings approached me and said, ‘Why don’t you start a daycare center’.”

That one request from the parents got the ball rolling. Little Ones Playcare is now licensed for 12 children and infants ranging from age 6 weeks and up. White said she initially only plans to accept six children due to the size of the staff and hopes to gain a few more full-time children.

Joining White is Gina Lamarche, who holds a degree in psychology with a focus on child development from the University of Maine at Farmington with a minor in art. Lamarche will lead such activities as baking, crafts, yoga, dancing and games.

Meghan Parker, an employee with Healthy Beginnings, will visit once a month to offer a nutrition education program.

White plans to start an age-appropriate nursery school program that will feature songs, puppetry, manners, educational table activities and socialization. Once a month the Rangeley Public Library will hold a story hour at Little Ones Playcare and each child will receive a library card.

“Kids are like little sponges. They pick up everything. If you provide a good environment, hopefully they will pick up the good things,” said White.

Little Ones Playcare is in the same location as Healthy Beginnings, under Rangeley Family Medicine on Dallas Hill Road where White rents space from the Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership.

For more information, call 864-3742. Daily hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m