Happy to Grow with Marshall County
“That’s another thing that I am learning about Plymouth, and this whole area too - our parents are very active here. I don’t want to say that it is a surprise; because I really didn’t know what to expect. But, it was is a very nice thing to see.”
— Director of Growing Kids Learning Centers Plymouth Campus Brandy Jackson
brandy Jackson, Director of Growing Kids Learning Centers Plymouth is thrilled to be growing with Marshall County. “We offer families in Marshall County to bring their children to a safe, fun and loving environment where they know their child is being encouraged to grow and cared for.”
Care is provided to children as early as 6 weeks up to 12 years old. The center offers a full day pre-school program and after school care; along with camps during breaks. The center offers flexible shift options with drop off as early as 6 a.m. and pick up as late as 11:30 p.m. to meet the unique needs of Marshall County families.
The Creative Curriculum is used at the center in Plymouth. That program focuses on exploration and play. Each class offers a daily schedule and routine that promotes the hands on learning experiences to facilitate the accomplishment of early learning milestones while at the same time providing the structure that fosters growth.
Children who attend after school care are allowed to play outside for a mental break from their academic day before they are offered help with their school work along with a snack. There are times when kids choose to create something artistic or scientific in the after-school room. “Some of our kids are slime professionals! It makes a complete mess but they have a great time with it!” another project favorite for some of the kids is Do-it-yourself (DIY) bath bombs to take home.
Evening care is customized to accommodate the needs of each family; including options for snack, story, evening meal and a nap or bedtime. “It’s nice to keep that routine even if you can’t be home with your kids every night.”
Students attending school are also offered care when school is called off.
“Occasionally they will have virtual learning days. That’s not easy for working parents.”
Growing Kids Learning Center is currently at a Level Three on Paths to Quality. Growing Kids Learning Center is celebrating 25 years as a family owned and operated child care service provider this year. The Plymouth Center opened in June. They are in the process of obtaining their National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) and their Level Four distinction.
Pricing for care varies based on how often services are needed, and varies with age. The center offers options ranging from half-day twice a week to full day care Monday through Friday. Nurses who work 12 hour shifts may find the center a solid resource for meeting their needs. Servers work varying evening shifts. Camp is offered for three days or five days a week. Jackson said, “We offer flexibility. I always thought that flexibility would be valuable here.”
The center does accept Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers. Approximately 40% of the children being served at Growing Kids Learning Centers in Plymouth qualified for CCDF vouchers. Corporate discounts are offered for some of the area businesses. Check with your employer for details.
As they say it takes a village to raise a child, Jackson emphasizes the team effort and collaboration among her teachers, staff and childcare providers. From the front desk to the kitchen; everyone plays a critical role in the development of each child attending the center.
Childcare providers were deemed essential during the pandemic. “It feels good to be essential. We stayed open. We were all thrilled to be essential. At the end of the day; parents have to work. They have to be able to put food on the table and a roof over their children’s head. We felt grateful that we could be open as safely as possible. It certainly wasn’t easy. There were a lot of changes here.”
Temperature checks and other safety protocols are adhered to; including masks. “Kids are getting used to seeing us with our masks now. That was really tough at first. Taking our infants, especially the little ones; and reassuring them that it was us behind the masks.” She said that they make sure they can see each other’s smiles with their eyes. “We tease each other. ‘Am I smiling right now?’ Because you can tell with our eyes!”
Jackson worked at the Growing Kids Learning Center on Ireland Road for 13 years prior to accepting the position as Director at the Plymouth campus when the opportunity presented itself. As the staff was hired and worked together getting the building ready for operation; they got acquainted with one another and formed a bond. Some of the staff came from the same organization at a different location, from other learning centers, or other businesses locally; all continuing to pursue their passion to provide high quality childcare to children and families. “I wouldn’t be able to do what we do here in the center without everybody; it’s really a team effort - every single day with every thing we do.”
The Center also offers Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Fall Break Camp and Winter Break Camp. “This year we get to go on field trips!” When the children take trips to the Life Plex for activities; they never have to cross the road. As sidewalk provides vehicle free access from one facility to the other.
Life Cubby is an app that parents can download for free on their phone. Age appropriate notifications are communicated through the app daily. For infants that communication includes every bottle their child was offered; along with how many ounces they consumed. Every time their diaper was changed with output documented. Three photos are taken and sent through the app so that parents can view the activity their child is actively engaging in with their classroom. Check in and check out times are communicated. The app provides strong accountability and consistent communication.
Security is of the utmost importance. All the entrances and exits are locked; requiring a code to access the building. Each employee and guardian authorized to drop off or pick up a child has their own unique code so that their identity is also logged with the entrance and exit. Fingerprints are registered for an extra level of verification providing an additional level of protection to children. Tickets are printed for check-in and check-out. Each teacher then matches the check-in and checkout ticket for another level of accountability.
Jackson is still in the process of building relationships with members of the community. Jackson refers to everyone as a “school family.” In an effort to engage with the community they had previously attended Art in the Street sponsored by the Heartland Artists Gallery, The Latino Festival in River Park Square and participated in the Blueberry Festival Parade. It has been more challenging to connect with the community during the pandemic. Most activities were cancelled during the pandemic and others very restricted.
Jackson looks forward to resuming activities at the center in-person and with the community in the days, weeks and months ahead as restrictions are lifted and spirits along with them. “I look forward to being able to host those things again. It’s a big part of who we are.”
Families and members of the community are welcome to schedule a walk through tour to see the center and to meet with Jackson. Pandemic restriction safety protocols will be strictly adhered to. Virtual tours can be scheduled for anyone not comfortable going in-person.