Barnesville Record-ReviewBarnesville, Minnesota 56514

STREETLIGHT 2014

Streetlight 2014 Progress Report6A

BCDCC Takes Children Up To 12 Years Old

Children have many art projects they do through the programming at the center.

There are many areas for the children to pick from to play in every day.

Learning to share and to be a good friend are one of many values taught by the center.

By: Lynae SchenckThe Barnesville Child Day

Care Center is a non-profit co-op organization with a parent board. The center has been a part of the Barnesville community since 1975. The director of the center is Peggy Mortensen. She has been with center for 27 years. The center is licensed by the State of Minnesota and also participates in the The Child and Adult Food Program. Currently the BCDCC is licensed for 65 children starting at six weeks of age through 12 years old. The center is open from 6a.m. to 6p.m.

The Barnesville Child Day Care Center mission statements says the primary objective of the BCDCC is to provide a warm, nurturing environment that encourages children to develop their capabilities and interests at their own pace and according to their individual needs. To offer a program which recognizes the uniqueness of each and every child and provides positive encouragement for the child’s continued growth.

The BCDCC is dedicated to serving the young child and the center believes this is accomplished through the caring staff. The staff are continually improving their skills through training and classes which include CPR, first aid, SIDS and shaken baby, child development and more. All staff are required to do in-service classes as required by the State of Minnesota. There are also monthly fire and tornado drills.

The center is staffed with approximately 15 people both full-time and part-time. Some of the staff have Elementary Education teaching licenses and Early Childhood Development Associate degrees.

Each classroom has a routine in place with activities for the kids to play and learn. The infant room provides a safe, comforting, cuddly, loving environment. Daily notes are sent home as well as verbal communication with parents on how the baby’s day went. Activities for each child are posted so parents can view them daily.

The pre-toddler room starts the older infants into the next phase of learning and skill set. They get opportunities to learn to eat at a table, playing outside, activities including music time, dress-up time, story time along with many more age appropriate activities.

The toddler room has even more activities for the kids to do and learn. There are activity times, art projects that are done and displayed and sensory table enjoyed. This room works with parents for potty training, washing hands and eating independently. Daily notes are sent home with the parents and there is a review board for parents to see what the kids do during the day.

This year the center has done a much needed update to the flooring in the toddler room. Donations from

the Barnesville Area Community Fund, Childcare Aware and fundraisers made that possible.

“The flooring looks great and we are grateful for all the grants and donations we received to make this possible,” said Mortensen.

The preschool room works with each child for Kindergarten readiness. There is a theme incorporated into all aspects of play. Parents are encouraged to discuss themes with children at home. The center helps the kids develop a positive sense of self. Art work is worked on and displayed. There is a daily activity board letting parents

The children are served breakfast, two snacks and lunch. The meals are served in each classroom where the children enjoy a great meal and the company of their playmates and teachers. The center has three food service managers which is required for food service which ensures that all food handling, storage and preparation meet licensing requirements. The commercial kitchen is licensed with Clay County Health and is inspected annually for compliance.

The center has security doors at the main entrance. Only employees, staff and parents are granted access through key fobs. All others need to ring a buzzer and be granted access by staff inside the building. All doors at the center are locked at all times. The security system has been well received by the parents.

Although things can change from month to month for the center. Currently the center is taking reservations for the upcoming fall. This is for all rooms: infant, toddler, preschool and school age children. Please call Peggy to 218-354-7542.

Barnesville, MN218 493-4207 or

800 360-TREE (8733)

Mowing (Home or Business) • SodSnow Removal • Trees • Grading

Landscaping • Spring & Fall CleanupPower Raking • Aeration • Seeding

Three TreesLandscaping

MW•9/08•4CSINGLE IMAGE

MW•5/11•4C

OPERATORS, RADIO CONTROLSMIDLAND DOORS

COOKSON ROLLING STEELSPRING REPAIR

INSTALLATIONCOMMERCIAL• RESIDENTIAL

SALES AND SERVICE

Broken Spring Specialists

Visit Our Showroom at 324 E. Main Ave., West Fargo

FREE ESTIMATES701-281-4759

1-800-726-4029www.tcgdwf.com

Front St. Mowers & Blowers • 402 Front St S Barnesville • 218 354-2780

No Interest With Equal Payments For 36 Months

know what the kids participated in that day.

The before and after school age kids have a non-bullying environment. They participate in daily trivia time and have homework help. The center works on developing positive self-esteem. The center doesn’t follow the school schedule so the center is open when the school is not. Chrismas vacation, spring break, summer vacation and so on.

The center has a licensed commercial kitchen where meals are prepared in compliance with the State Child Care Food Program.