By: Abbey White
The Early Learning Center was opened on August 13th, after the building was finished on August 1st. KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has cleared the ELC to have up to 100 students. The ELC accepts students ages 0-5, and focuses on development for young children. While the students may have no English essays to write, they are still learning important skills for their growth.
With the youngest of the children, they work on gross motor skills like head lifting and rotating, rolling over, and grabbing. The center offers transportation for parents who work or have other obligations and are unable to pick up their children mid-day.
Superintendent Juanita Erickson states that the center is doing very well “... what a great service the Early Learning Center is for the kids and the Neodesha Community.” The center took around 10 months to build, after USD 461 received a Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant.
Another grant was also awarded to the district. “We were also awarded an Innovation Communities Grant to purchase the furniture and toys inside the facility,” Erickson said. The center includes interactive toys, such as tricycles, thanks to the grant received.
KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has cleared the ELC to have up to 100 students. Enrollment is still open, and despite setbacks to the licensing and early opening, the center is doing well. The ELC is a great help to parents who work during the day or need help to balance life and small children. Children ages 0-5 are accepted, and they will benefit from the healthy and loving environment. Student internships are also accepted, for students who are planning on going into teaching or child care. Enrollment can be done at 620-325-8290.