Born and raised in Livermore, California, Louis grew up smack-dab in the chaotic middle of the first generation of Russ Family Daycare. He quickly learned how to change diapers, and became quite adept at burping infants as well. After many years, Louis longed to do something more glamorous than clean Cheerios out of stroller pockets, so he went off to the big city and pursued a degree in International Business at San Francisco State University. While attending SF State, Louis took a job at the San Francisco Zoo’s gift shop. Sensing his knack for it, Louis’s boss frequently put him in charge of the stroller rental booth, where he would spend two and a half years cleaning popcorn and Dippin’ Dots out of stroller pockets.
After graduating from SF State, Louis returned home to Livermore and took a couple different jobs around town. He one day found himself applying for a job as a Bookseller at Half Price Books, a venue which he knew for a fact did not sell strollers. The managers at Half Price Books hired him on, and, sensing his knack for it, put him in charge of the Children’s Literature section, where he would spend the next several years unpeeling squished jelly beans (and other such material) from copies of Curious George Plays Baseball. Louis loved every minute of it.
Mary grew up with three brothers and credits them with her high level of patience. She has had a lot of jobs over the years, but in each and every one of them she has been told she really ought to be working with kids! She got her start babysitting in her teen years, where she endeared herself to the parents by being unafraid of diapers and happy to engage in messy play with the 6 month old and 2 year old (and by cleaning up a bit before mom & dad got home…) Mary set out to pursue a career in healthcare but got sidetracked by a paying job in an Arts & Crafts store. As the new person, she was tasked with running the kid’s craft classes – which she loved, much to her boss’s surprise! After seven years in Arts & Crafts, Mary moved on to a new challenge at used book store Half Price Books. As the new person, she was tasked with running the Children’s section – which she loved, much to her boss’s surprise!
Along side her “real” jobs, Mary has volunteered extensively both with her quilt guild (teaching 4th-8th graders how to use a sewing machine) and with her church (teaching 2nd and 8th graders how to make a variety of crafts.)
While at Half Price Books, Mary met her husband, Louis – who had taken over her beloved Children’s section. She forgave him for that because he was doing such a good job – and the rest is history!
Louis and Mary are both certified in the following:
– Infant and Toddler CPR through the Red Cross
– Infant and Toddler First Aid though the Red Cross
– Safe Sleep Practices through the Indiana State Family and Social Services Administration
Russ Family Daycare is a licensed Class 1 program, License #42-1812
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you currently have openings?
No, but feel free to contact us if you would like to be added to the waitlist
How much does your program cost?
This varies slightly depending on the age of the child enrolling, the age and number of the children already in attendance, and if you’re being referred through one of our community partners. Please contact us for a specific quote.
What are your hours?
Our core program hours are 7:30 AM- 5:30 PM, Monday- Friday. We also offer care outside of program hours, whether you need it as a long-term arrangement or as the occasional bit of babysitting. For care outside of program hours, we charge $10/ hour.
What ages do you take?
Ages 0-5, with a minimum age of three months.
Is food provided?
Yes, we provide a morning snack, a lunch, and an afternoon snack. Russ Family Daycare partners with the state of Indiana’s Child and Adult Care Food Program to ensure that our menus are healthy, age-appropriate, and nutritionally diverse.
Do you take CCDF Vouchers?
Yes we do.
Are you in the Paths To Quality program?
Yes, we’re currently Level 1 in the PTQ program and working towards Level 2.
What documents are necessary to enroll my child?
Prior to enrolling a child, we will need copies of the child’s birth certificate, a health record filled out by their physician (including vaccination statuses), and copies of any custody arrangements affecting the child.
Vincennes Youth Services 