Officials with the Red Oak Child Development Center report that as the community begins to reclaim 2020, those involved with the ROCDC are excited to be moving forward and gearing up for the opening of the new childcare center in August. Laura Kloewer, ROCDC Board Vice-Chair, says “According to Child Care Resource and Referral, on average 1 in 2 children in Iowa go without access to affordable, quality childcare. As of 2019, Montgomery County had 1,186 children under the age of 9 and only 504 available spaces in existing licensed childcare facilities. The goal of the Red Oak Child Development Center is to be an additional facility in our community that provides quality, education-based childcare in a safe and nurturing environment.”

ROCDC classrom

ROCDC Reception area (Photos submitted)

Montgomery County Child Development Association (MCCDA) is a board governed 501c3, nonprofit corporation. The first project of this organization is to open the Red Oak Child Development Center (ROCDC). MCCDA began in fall 2018 as a small group of volunteers and has evolved into a large coalition of individuals all working together to realize the dream of opening the Red Oak Child Development Center.

Kloewer says “Some big milestones and accomplishments necessary for opening have been reached recently; including the completion of construction inside the old Washington School building – now referred to as the Red Oak Early Childhood Center (ROECC). This building is still owned by the Red Oak Community School District (ROCSD) and will continue to house their 4-year-old preschool program. ROCDC will be renting space in the ROECC building.” She said also, “We are so grateful for the partnership with the Red Oak Community School District, however we are not officially affiliated with the school district.

ROCDC will provide all day care for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years, and after-school and summer programming for children up to 12 years of age. ROCDC plans to use two unique and
comprehensive curriculum programs: Creative Curriculum, a research-based curriculum that utilizes exploration and discovery; and Second Step, a program rooted in social-emotional
learning that encourages and supports students. With indoor construction finished, ROCDC is excited to begin moving in and furnishing their rooms. They will be renting four rooms in the ROECC building. These rooms will be used as an infant room, a pre-toddler/transitional room, and two toddler rooms. Each room will feature newly renovated flooring, emergency exits, and bathrooms designed for toddlers.

Another feature of the new building renovation is the main entryway. Originally, visitor access to the building was through the southwest entryway. Now, the only entrance has been moved to the southeast side so that the employee in charge of allowing visitors into the building will be able to immediately see who is entering and ensure that the facility is safe and secure at all times. The Red Oak Early Childcare Center will be sharing both the indoor gymnasium and media center with the ROCDC. Besides the indoor renovations, work is also being done to the outdoor area for a play space that is accommodating for all ages. Although they are currently working on landscaping for the outdoor space, ROCDC Director Jacque Howell is excited for some new additions to the playground, especially for the installation of a Nature Explore playground setting. The addition of the Nature Explore playground, officials say, will add an exciting and stimulating age-appropriate learning space for all students.

In addition to moving in, hiring the remainder of the staff is one of the next big steps. Applications for teachers and support staff will be opening soon. For more information, check out the Red Oak Child Development Center Facebook page, or email questions to director@redoakcdc.org.