Teaching youngsters

Commodore Kids offers various child care programs

Lorain County Community College in Elyria works to accommodate parents on its campus with a variety of programs under the umbrella Commodore Kids.

Under the leadership of Director Michele Henes, child care and enrichment opportunities are available for all ages.

“We’re blessed with an administration that sees this as a need,” Henes said. “It’s a big commitment from the college that they see it as a student need.”

Options include the Children’s Learning Center which provides affordable care in a Five-Star Step Up to Quality-rated center also licensed by Job and Family Services.

The on-campus classrooms serve children 18 months to 12 years old, and each child has a unique schedule.

Normally, between 100 and 115 children are enrolled, but due to coronavirus pandemic-related staffing issues, the enrollment is approximately 60, Henes said.

The center is for children of LCCC and University Partnership students, faculty and staff and the community.

Henes said care is available for a nominal fee but many families qualify for subsidized care or have financial aid they can use.

In addition to degreed teachers, the program is enhanced with students from the college’s Early Childhood

Program in which Henes teaches.

“We provide an observation and lab site for education students,” Henes said.

The Children’s Learning Center just received a grant from the Stocker Foundation to build a STEAM lending library.

Six curriculum units will be available to preschool and kindergarten classrooms throughout the area, Henes said.

Lending will begin in March.

Henes also is working on creating an afterschool program to provide care for children of students taking evening classes.

That program will be similar to the daytime one and should open by fall.

Commodore Kids also offers precollege and enrichment programs, sometimes for a fee and other times free.

The program partners with many education organizations throughout the county, including the Head Start program operated by Lorain County Community Action Agency.

Henes recently was appointed to LCCAA’s board of directors.

“I know our families — and families throughout Lorain County — need the services LCCAA provides,” Henes said.

Additional services available to LCCC students include the Commodore Cupboard, a food pantry on campus, and the Advocacy and Resource Center which connects students with a variety of resources.

COURTESY OF LCCC CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER Courtney Conrad and her daughter, Harper, are shown in the LCCC Children’s Learning Center.