Infant Care New at Morrison Day Care

By Lynnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

VanBuren enjoys spending time with children in the play area of the facility. (PA photo/L. Forth)

Beginning August 1st families in Morrison will have another option for the placement and care of their young children. Morrison Daycare Director Michele VanBuren has received a grant in the amount of $5000.00 to provide childcare for children as young as six weeks to fourteen months old. The facility received notification from the Community Coordinated Child Care program that they had been awarded the Quality Counts Grant which VanBuren had submitted in February.

Michele had seen a need for the community that was not being met, and decided to apply for the grant. On June 7th, the center received a surprising phone call from the 4C’s agency. The money has allowed the center to purchase much needed equipment to provide adequate care to infants. Among the items that have been bought are: cribs, highchairs, infant toys, a glider rocker, and a 6 passenger stroller.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our child-centered care to Morrison’s youngest kids,” VanBuren stated. The Daycare is licensed for 32 kids.

The center is located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 100 E. Lincolnway in Morrison. The Daycare has been in business since 1972, with VanBuren becoming director in September of last year. The program includes many activities for children including PreSchool based curriculum.

The Illinois State Board of Education provides nutritional meals for the children, while parents bring in a healthy snack of their choice. Each age group has their own room, complete with age appropriate toys, activities, and its own teacher. Currently the center employs three full time workers and 2 students for the summer. All employees are CPR and First Aid certified. VanBuren noted that all toys are chosen with safety in mind, and cleaned regularly to ensure the health of all students and staff members.

Morrison Daycare also provides summer and after school programs for students in Kindergarten thru Fifth grade. This program is held at Northside School and offers crafts, swimming, and trips to the library, swimming pool, and the park. The cost of the summer program is $22.00 per day. The after school club meets until 5:30p.m. during the school year. Parents that are working or attending an approved education or training program can fill out an application for the 4C’s program to help with childcare costs if they quality. VanBuren has applications available in her office.

To obtain more information on infant care and other childcare openings, call the center at .