Hand ‘N Hand Child Enrichment Center was founded in 1989, by Pat and Butch Cronon.  As a former Director with AT&T, Butch recognized the need for childcare near the workforce. With Pat’s knowledge of Early Childhood Education, the two founded Hand ‘N Hand Child Enrichment Center in the newly opened Lee Vista Business Center, providing families with consistent, affordable, and top-rated child care and education.

In a few short years Butch went from literally chief cook and bottle washer, to one of Florida’s most vocal voices on the legislative front for Florida’s youngest children and their working parents.

Pat and Butch sat on the board of the Florida Association of Child Care Management (FACCM), with Butch being the Legislative Chairman for over 20 years. Pat and Butch sat on numerous legislative communities, including the formation of Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program and the Gold Seal accreditation designation. Butch was appointed by the Governor to serve as a board member on the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. Coupled with new developments in Early Childhood brain research and recognizing the importance of Early Childhood Education, Butch spearheaded the movement for Early Childhood Education facilities to be recognized by the Florida Legislature, as educational institutions. Other legislative designations included Pat’s appointment to serve as Florida’s representative on the Southern Institute of Children and Families.

After more than 30 years in the same location, Pat and Butch are still sought after by the next generation of public leaders for guidance. Butch’s commitment to Orlando remains strong through his volunteer work with ORMC, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, the National Advisory Council for Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and his love of helping the Arnold Palmer Invitational remain a championship golf tournament, raising millions of dollars for children and families needing medical care in the Orlando area. Pat continues to be directly involved in the day-to-day operation of Hand ‘N Hand, taking great pride in welcoming the next generation of children as they begin their journey toward educational excellence.

With their years of advocating for Florida’s youngest children and their families and providing excellent care and Early Childhood Education through Hand ‘N Hand Child Enrichment Center, Pat and Butch are proud to reflect the ideology of Nelson Mandela:

Hand ‘N Hand Child Enrichment Center is founded on the principles of working hand in hand with parents, the business community, and our professional staff, to improve the quality of life for families and their young children. Guiding children through creative and stimulating experiences, through hands-on play, Hand ‘N Hand focuses on helping children begin a lifelong journey of individual excellence.

Hand ’N Hand Child Enrichment Center has been quietly doing random acts of kindness throughout the last two years because of the many challenges our families are facing due to the ongoing pandemic. Now is the time to engage once again with our community in providing encouragement and assistance to a wider base.

Hand ‘N Hand is committed to making a difference with families and the community around us, whether that is helping an individual, our community, or beyond. Collecting food for a local food bank, organizing essential needs for Orlando’s Harbor House (sanctuary for abused women and children), or leading partnership efforts with other early learning centers by donating supplies for natural disasters not only enriches the lives of all involved, but models values we want our children to grow up with.

Together, with our Angel Flight partners and our Hand ‘N Hand family, we are making a difference in many ways, many places, and in many hearts.