By Chistina Lieffring
The Hiersteiner Child Development Center is the large, white house-like building next to the barn of the Sustainability Center. Inside, children’s artwork plasters the walls and the rooms are colorfully decorated to fit their names: “Blue Lagoon”, “Bamboo Forest” and “African Kingdom”.
But the HCDC is not all fluff and fun. It has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 1993 and uses the HighScope Early Childhood Curriculum for preschool children and infants. Claire Ehney, HCDC’s Manager, said HCDC uses HighScope because it is a research-based curriculum.
“[Researchers] followed preschool children for as long as 40 years to see how they did based on their preschool years,” said Ehney. “And they came out having better jobs, owning homes a lot of things like that.”
Ehney and her staff not only aim to provide quality care, but to make it affordable as well.
“We are always looking for grants that might help students,” said Ehney.
One such grant is available through the HCDC Child Care Alumni Association for students with proof of financial need. The deadline for applications in fall semester has passed, but students can apply again at the beginning of winter semester. HCDC also accepts childcare subsidies provided through the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
HCDC also has different pay scales for JCCC students, faculty/staff and the general public and provides flexible scheduling. Parents can enroll their children for half-days (mornings or afternoons) or full days, and can choose either Monday through Friday, Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/ Thurs. Ehney said that if parents are concerned about scheduling, to talk with HCDC’s staff.
“Its worth a call to try to talk with us to see, you know, can we work something out,” said Ehney.
According to a study published by ChildCare Aware, a national childcare information hub, only 4% of Kansas childcare centers are nationally accredited and the average yearly cost for an infant is $10,518. By those metrics, HCDC is competitive. However, this does not include resources such as Head Start, which provides childcare for families earning at the federal poverty level. Parents can also compare childcare providers through ChildCare Aware’s website for eastern Kansas and Western Missouri to find the care that fits their needs.
For more information on HCDC: http://www.jccc.edu/childcare/
For the Kansas Department for Children and Families: http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Child_Care/Child-care-and-early-education.aspx
Head Start Centers in Johnson County: https://www.ksheadstart.org/locations
To search childcare providers in the Kansas City area: http://www.thefamilyconservancy.org/resources/parenting-resources/resources-and-links/item/390
Contact Chistina Lieffring, news editor, clieffri@jccc.edu