(Red Oak) The Montgomery County Child Development Association Board of Directors, Red Oak Child Development Center Staff, Red Oak Community School District Staff and representatives from the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association along with their children celebrated the official ribbon cutting for ROCDC this morning.
“We have come so far in in the last two years, we’ve overcome so much and now to be here today and to see the playground filled with children; there are just no words. Thank You.” said Laura Kloewer, Montgomery County Child Development (MCCDA) Board ViceChair.
The event was small and socially distanced with attendees wearing masks, but you could still hear the excitement in the voices of Kelly Osheim, MCCDA Board Chair and Jacque Howell, ROCDC Director as they addressed the group. The Red Oak Chamber and Industry congratulated and welcomed ROCDC to the community and the children in attendance gathered around to help hold the ribbon and make the ceremonial cut. Teachers then welcomed board members and attendees into their classrooms to show them around. “We are so proud of our staff” says Howell “being involved with a brand new center has a unique set of challenges but these ladies have just been amazing so far. I cannot wait for all of our families and children to get to meet them.”
Monday August 17th ROCDC will officially open their doors and according to Howell the classrooms are almost full. “We are still accepting registrations, but the overwhelming response really highlights how much this center is needed in our area.” Recognition of the need for the center has been a motivating factor for many involved; from the fundraising to the organization to the volunteers. “Families need access to quality child care; and we are thrilled to be joining the ranks of the other wonderful centers in our area to provide care to the next generation” says Kloewer.
The centers fundraising success also tells the story of the community’s support. With almost $900,000 raised of their $1,000,000 goal the fundraising committee is thrilled. “We are so close to our goal” says Osheim “When the pandemic hit we knew the need for childcare would be even greater and we need to keep moving with our fall open date, but we were worried what fundraising would look like. Our community has been behind this project 100% though and their generosity has made this dream a reality.”
The Red Oak Child Development Center is located in the Red Oak Community School District’s Early Childhood Center (formerly Washington School) and will offer full and part time care to children ages 6 weeks – 12 years old. If you are interested in getting more information please visit www.redoakcdc.org or check out their Facebook page.
