It's difficult to believe that Shohreh Katoozian's beautiful house, with it's gleaming furniture and perfectly arranged décor, could possibly house children all day. But that is before meeting Katoozian. Katoozian or ShoSho as she is lovingly called by the kid's' is like a grandmother to her charges at Sho Sho's Daycare.
Would you trash your grandmother's house? Of course not.
The day care features a playroom covered in Playskool's best, with a stereo of kid's music to encourage dancing and tumbling. There are two high chairs lined up in the dining room, alongside a kid sized table and chairs for the older children.
But the most memorable image at Sho Sho's is watching her interact with the children. When a tiny boy began to cough, she demonstrating how to cover his mouth. He complied for the rest of the afternoon.
The same little boy tended to reply with "Uh huh" instead of "yes". Katoozian patiently waited until he used his words before accepting his answer.
For years, Katoozian cared for the children of the Jarrett family, honing her special combination of homemade food and undying affection. "They have endless love for children," say Wayne and Kathleen Jarrett. "Our daughters love going to their home. I feel like I have peace of mind leaving my daughters in capable hands."
For the last Year, Katoozian has been licensed for eight children and hopes to expand to 12.
"I love all the kids. They are all special. I have a good relationship with the children, and with the parents who work with me," she said. "They're part of my family." The feeling is mutual, and Katoozian is still in contact with many of former charges.
She says caring for a houseful of children from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. isn't exhausting. "They make me relax when I am stressed," she reported.
However, when the kids go home, she spends her evenings winding down. "I am a very homey person. If someone invites me out during the week, I have to say no," she said. "On weekends, I can go out to lunch or dinner with friends or my husband."
Sho Sho's Daycare is accepting new clients. For more information, call 207-1479.