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On the surface, Kalamazoo Drop-In Childcare Center looks like many similar facilities, with colorful bulletin boards and murals, bookshelves and activity centers all geared toward early childhood development.
But for many families who attend the center, it’s much more than a safe, educational place to take their children. It’s one hurdle cleared for income-eligible parents who may be trying to find a job, locate housing or earn a degree. And, it’s free.
“We’re here to give parents a break that wouldn’t normally have a break,” KDCCC Director Kathy McNinch said. “They’re looking for jobs or housing, running errands, going to appointments. Some of them don’t have extended family or friends that they can leave their kids with.”
United Way BCKR provides funding for KDCCC under our Basic Needs strategy, recognizing that lack of child care – like transportation, identification and other crisis supports – can be a major barrier to greater stability.
The center, which opened in 1990, operates five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and can accommodate up to 20 children a day – 10 infants or toddlers and 10 preschool children. Families can use the service up to six days a month.
“We’re the only service like this in Kalamazoo,” McNinch said, adding that there’s a waiting list every day, particularly for the younger children. Unless a parent schedules in advance, it’s first-come, first-served.
The preschool program is part of KC Ready 4s and highly rated with Great Start to Quality. Since the teachers see different children each day, traditional unit plans or individualized plans aren’t feasible. Instead, lesson plans focus on the basic skills children will need to be successful later in school.
“Things like being able to sit and listen for circle time or sharing toys,” McNinch said. “A lot of our kids have never been in a group situation. We really emphasize the social aspect so they can have an easier transition to a regular daycare or preschool program.”
In addition to providing childcare, staff also works to connect families with other resources. One mother in particular, new to the country, shared her gratitude recently in a letter to staff. Two of her children attended KDCCC, allowing her time to find a job and study English.
“When I was looking for a job, KDCCC was supporting me with every step,” she wrote. “The staff would help look up resources to find a job and full-time childcare for my son. If I didn’t have KDCCC’s help, I would never have a job. Thank you so much for your support with your smiley faces.”
Visit http://www.kdccc.org/ to learn more about the program.
Your United Way support can help programs like Kalamazoo Drop-In Childcare Center continue to lift families into greater stability. Find out how you can make an impact.
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