United Childcare and Preschool provides affordable childcare. Judy Jacobs, Director of United Childcare and Preschool, "sat down" with us through email to provide some information about how their services continue to help children and families.
Can you tell us about United Childcare and Preschool?
United Childcare and Preschool has been in business for 50 years, as our Anniversary is this month! We strive to provide quality education and care for children of the Sioux Empire. Our target group are low income children, but we serve all economic levels. We have two centers, one in the First United Methodist Church and the other in the Asbury United Methodist church. Our FUM site serves children 2-6 and Asbury serves children 2-10. Both centers are located in neighborhoods and school districts rate "at risk". but, with Covid-19 we have reassessed how we serve these children.
How does United Way funding help your organization help children?
United Way helps in so many ways! First and foremost is the funding we receive from the Sioux Empire United Way. We could not provide care without it. Because, many of our families are low income, they pay a lower fee, and are scholarshiped by United Way donations. This enables those children get the same "good start" that any child deserves, with preschool, good nutrition, socialization, and a lot of love thrown in. United Way is also a good resource to what is happening in the community, and if we have a problem, they point us in the right direction to get it solved. We value them as our partner in making children's lives better.
What does a current day look like now for your organization?
Our typical day in a pandemic starts out a little different than usual. As children come in, we take their temperatures, and ask if they are feeling okay. Children are then asked to wash their hands. Our staff are now wearing masks, and we are asking parents to wear masks when they drop off their children. Any child sent home, or not accepted at the beginning of the day, needs to provide a doctor's note to come back. Staff that take a sick day are also asked to consult their doctor and bring a note. After arrival, children may eat breakfast, and at 9:00 preschool or study time commences for our school age attending. We have felt our parents have been very accommodating. Our enrollment has dropped dramatically, as parents work from home or have relatives care for the children, so we feel the children still attending are all children of essential workers. We have school aged children attending both centers, and we have adjusted our day to meet all of the children's needs. Right now we are down to 35 children attending. It has been hard for the children to understand "social distancing" but we are doing our best to keep them safe. But, I have to tell you, it is torture not to get all those hugs throughout the day. We are committed to staying open, because our parents have to work, and we know the children are getting stability, good nutrition, and the education all children need in these troubling times.
What is one unique thing you love about your role?
I have been the Director at United Childcare and Preschool for over 17 years. The best part of the job is by far, the children and their families. They bring joy into my life every single day. To have a child take time out of playing to give you a hug is a huge honor, and I cherish every hug given. To see pictures of grown children that we cared for when they were young makes me so happy. And to have former families stay in touch is so gratifying. I think this job has kept me young, despite what the calendar says!
What is something you want people in our community to know about the services you provide to the community?
Our community is such a special one. Growing, but keeping the feel of a smaller one. UCP is privileged to be able to play a part in the education and care of the children. We feel we give them a good education, social guidance, nutrition, similar to that of a large center, while providing the intimate experience of a small center.
Families and children are getting creative with their time while social distancing, what is a fun project the children at United Childcare and Preschool have enjoyed this spring?
We have tried to do activities to promote social distancing, such as dancing or playing a game. But, social distancing for the younger children is a very hard concept to grasp.
What are you most looking forward to this spring, once warmer weather arrives?
When it is warmer, we want to get the children out in the sunshine and fresh air. I look forward to the time when some normalcy can prevail.