Oswego Helps Child Care Center Organize Parade Amid Pandemic

OSWEGO, IL — While residents grappled with the restrictions imposed due to the Illinois stay-at-home order, a child care center in Oswego devised a way to let the children know that they were missed by organizing a special parade.

Execute director of Loving Arms Childcare Center, Julie Mueller, said one of the teachers organized a parade for her daughter's birthday and conceived the idea to host something similar for the kids and parents.

The initial plan was simple — the teachers would station themselves around the parking lot and parents would drive their kids around as teachers waved at them and told them they were missed. But, it turned into something much more grand when the Yorkville Police and Bristol Kendall Fire departments joined the parade along with multiple vehicles.

For about an hour on May 12, over 20 families showed up and drove around a few times while the children enjoyed seeing familiar faces carrying heartfelt signs.

"A lot of parents came, I was overwhelmed by how many showed up," Mueller said. "We expected a fire truck or an ambulance and one police car and the city sent a fire truck, an ambulance, four police cars, and the Park and Recreation van. The police chief also arranged a meeting point for the parents and met them all there before the start of the parade to line them up. It was amazing to see the willingness and support from the city to make the parade extra special for our families and staff."

Throughout the pandemic, the center has endeavored to keep the kids engaged. The teachers post craft and activity ideas on the Facebook page that parents can do with their kids. Some even posted videos of themselves reading stories.

"I am hoping this has encouraged families to slow down and spend time with each other," she said. "Play games, go for walks, watch movies, read books, talk. We take so much for granted and I’m hoping this situation has given families the opportunity to appreciate these things."

Mueller said she was overwhelmed by the support Oswego showed her.

"I could hardly contain my emotions," she said. "I am so thankful for them and proud to be part of this community."

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