DaniLee’s Helping Hands at 253 Wolfs Lane recently underwent renovations and is expanding the childcare center into the building next door to add tutoring workshops for older students and skills classes for teens.

At the current location, the company opened the layout for more flexible family options.

“The space before had multiple classrooms, ideal for remote learning,” said co-owner Danielle Marrero. “Now, we’re trying to have a flex space with a wider layout.”

DaniLee’s was started by Danielle and her sister Alyssa Marrero, Pelham natives. Growing up, they gained experience with childcare and tutoring, babysitting for families in and around Pelham, and completing teaching internships in the local elementary schools. After seeing the high demand for childcare, they decided to start a business to help alleviate the growing pressure to find such services for families around Westchester.

Danielle Marrero said she hopes the new space will be a welcoming environment for the children the center takes care of and improve the overall staff at DaniLee’s.

“I am a strong believer that children can grow with the example of role models,” she said. “The new renovations will help the DaniLee’s team build a stronger work ethic and patience with younger children.”

However, Marrero said that the transition to a larger space has not been easy.

“There is a big financial cost and a big risk,” said Marrero. “Taking the next step in a business is very risky, so you just have to put yourself out there. However, this risk will hopefully be rewarding for not only the families but also the community of Pelham.”

DaniLee’s plans to expand its services in different ways, and since its start, the business has provided support all around the community.