CHESAPEAKE - In order to have a fulfilling future, it is vital to have a bright beginning.

That is the belief of Stephanie Geneseo. As owner and director of Bright Beginnings Private Daycare, located at 142 Township Road 158 in Chesapeake, she set out to make a difference in early childhood education six years ago.

"I always wanted to be a teacher," Geneseo said. "I disliked the current system and I felt like I could offer a more professional approach to daycare, so that's what I set out to do."

So, what does Bright Beginnings do exactly?

For starters, it isn't just daycare, although that service plays a major role in the operation that currently serves nine children from birth to age five.

Geneseo also offers a preschool curriculum Monday through Friday that involves the same age groups and introduces them to learning at an early age. It incorporates HighReach Learning and FunShine Express education resources as well as a curriculum of Geneseo's invention.

"I designed my own because I didn't feel like the other ones offered everything the kids need," she said.

Every month, Geneseo puts together lesson plans, reading materials and special outings for the children. The latter offers youngsters the chance to visit a local nursing home, fire station and other community landmarks.

Geneseo said the curricula that even include Spanish and sign language instruction are all about making learning fun.

"We're not just (staying here at the daycare) because that does get monotonous," she said.

But more important, "I want to endear literacy to them early," she said.

Geneseo's dedication to early childhood education goes beyond the classroom. Every year, she organizes a Child Care Banquet for area day care providers. She also produces a monthly newsletter for the same group.

Both resources are designed to provide an outlet and foster new understanding of the latest techniques, she said.

For her efforts, Geneseo was recently recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for her community leadership at the Irene Bandy-Hedden Leadership Awards dinner. She was one of four honored this year.

The recognition was especially rewarding to Geneseo because it usually goes to principals and other administrators, she said.

"It was a huge honor when you do my line of work. (Day care) isn't a high profile job, but it's an important one," she said.

Currently, she is pursuing a degree in child development after earning all the necessary certifications for day care provision.

Prior to opening Bright Beginnings, she and her husband lived in Pittsburgh. They both worked with the Wal-Mart corporation, helping to open new stores. Their work brought them to this area, where they have decided to stay.

Geneseo's work is a family effort: Her two sons, ages 10 and 15, help out at Bright Beginnings. When there are more than six children in her daycare, Geneseo also brings in qualified adult helpers to assist her in the job that means so much to her.

"I just love what I do and I always wanted to do it. I love kids," she said.

Bright Beginnings is not currently accepting new applicants since the daycare is at capacity for the year.

For more information about later enrollment, call 867-6427 or login to http://brightbeginnings.metrodaycare.com Bright Beginnings is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.