As many schools were welcoming their students back to class, the Marita Thesien Child Care Center opened its doors for the first time.
The daycare center is operated by the non-profit, Steeple Square.
The group renovated the former home of St. Mary’s Rectory to house the daycare. Angela Schrodt, Childcare Director, said it was a project that was weeks in the making.
“It’s been a vision and a hypothetical for so long,” said Schrodt. “And now it’s a reality and the kids are finally here and the parents are coming to drop off. And it’s exciting, it’s really just exciting.
The child care center will enroll about 70 children. They will accept children from infancy to preschool.
“I’m just excited about having a big group of kids,” said Judy Wolf, Treasurer of Steeple Square. “Being able to enjoy this beautifully restored space and again, understanding the importance of revitalizing this historic campus and the unique ways that we can utilize the space here.”
The center will offer a science based curriculum for their preschool students. Their goal is to prepare students for their future school years.
However, Schrodt said that they are not afraid to also let kids be kids.
“Early childhood is all about being flexible. You’re going to have those days where everyone is really cranky. Usually days have full moons are pretty challenging for us here in the early childhood world,” said Schrodt. “So, we like to go with the flow and let the kids set the pace.
The child care center is still accepting applications to enroll this year.
ASHLEY SCOTT, KWWL
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