Kessel Kids CcLc serves children from six weeks to twelve years of age without regard to race, culture, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, or disability. Children are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority given to full-time children, followed by part-time children then drop-ins. If a classroom is at its maximum capacity a full-time enrollee may take the place of a child who attends the center on a part-time or drop-in basis. Below are the maximum licensing capacities per age group:
- Infants: 28 (8 Immobile, 20 Mobile-2 Classrooms)
- 2 Years: 15
- Preschool: 51 (17 per classroom)
- School Age: 43
- Total Licensing Capacity: 137
Prior to enrollment, Kessel Kids CcLc encourages all new families and children to tour the center as well as acquaint the families and children to the child care environment, providers and schedules. At this time, the family handbook and contract information will be reviewed and the parent(s)/ guardians will have the opportunity for questions and answers. Parents are welcome to visit as much and many times as they would like prior to actual enrollment. The key to a great childcare experience is communication. Parents can choose to communicate person to person or to utilize the Procare application. Whatever the desired communication style may be, we welcome parent input and interest in the care of a child(ren).
Our Mission
Kessel Kids CcLc is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing a child’s growth and development through classroom programming and collaborative partnerships.
Our Philosophy
Kessel Kids CcLc believes that childcare is an investment into a child’s future. Developmentally appropriate opportunities and activities are provided to promote desire for life-long learning. Kessel Kids CcLc strives to create an atmosphere encompassing acceptance, consistency, clear expectations, mutual respect and encouragement. We partner with families and integrate community collaboration efforts within our program to assure each child’s individual needs are met.
Goals & Objectives
Objectives:
- Provide a visually stimulating environment
- Provide adequate numbers of age appropriate toys, equipment and supplies
- Staff center appropriately in accordance with state recommendations and with consideration of the needs of the children
- Screen employees to assure they are dedicated to the organization’s mission
Objectives:
- Provide comprehensive training and a variety of staff development opportunities regarding childhood needs and development
- Develop daily schedules which are individualized and age appropriate
- Provide programming activities which focus on social, emotional, intellectual, physical and psychological growth
- Incorporate both indoor and outdoor activities into programming
- Provide a balance between child initiated and teacher planned activities
Objectives:
- Provide parents with daily communication notes
- Hold staff meetings at least once a month
- Provide parents with educational opportunities/materials regarding childhood development
- Communicate with other early childhood professionals regarding the developmental needs of children
- Work with interdisciplinary team members on individualized cases when deemed appropriate
Our History
Kessel Kids CcLc is a private, non-profit organization that was created in 1993 to meet the expanding need for child care services for families who live and work in Howard County. The Howard County Child Care Association, our Board of Directors, was formed to advocate for the need for quality child care services within the area. Initially, Kessel Kids CcLc and Head Start joined together to secure land from the Howard County Hospital, known today as Regional Health Services of Howard County, for the purpose of providing child care services. Both organizations shared the same facility. As the need for child care continued to grow and additional space was needed, the Howard County Child Care Association was instrumental in obtaining a Community Development Block Grant to build a larger, “child friendly,” center in 1997. Many businesses, organizations and individuals contributed financial support to obtain matching funds for the grant.
In early 2005, a group of individuals from the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District and Kessel Kids CcLc formed to discuss the needs of our growing community, focusing on early childhood development. There was discussion regarding Kessel Kids CcLc and the Howard-Winneshiek School District, along with organizations such as Head Start, HAWC and Keystone AEA, joining forces to meet the needs of the children in our area. The Early Childhood Development Committee (ECDC) was formed and applied for the Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $600,000 which was later received. This was the start to the planning and design of the Early Childhood Development Center. Architects Skott & Anderson were hired to develop ideas into reality. The groundbreaking began in the spring of 2007 with the completion of the center in May of 2008. June 2 of 2008 was the opening of the new center.