The Clay County Child Care Center's Head Start Program in Ottawa County is beginning its second year in a facility made available through the generosity of a family in Minneapolis, where the Ottawa County Head Start program is located.  Cliff and Pat Johns, realtors in that community, had first been contacted by staff to help find a replacement for the very small facility then being used for the Head Start program.  When no suitable prospects could be found, they decided to take matters into their own hands, saying it would be a way to pay back the community for their long-lived and successful business there.   They purchased and renovated a flower shop, transforming it into an attractive, bright red "country school".  The renovation included tearing out the flower cooler, installing a kitchen, upgrading the bathrooms, pouring concrete for a trike-drive on the large playground, and more.  Thanks to the Johns, the Head Start children-and staff-are enjoying a lovely setting with enough room for their activities, for their Head Start experience!

Parent Tips Lead Big Turnout

As a program in a very rural part of the state, we have not always had access to a mental health professional, but now employ a retired school psychologist part time.  Clyde has been assisting both Head Start and Early Head Start, but the most popular of his services is his parenting "Tip of the Month" which he shares with Early Head Start families at socializations.  The opportunity to hear his tips and visit with him regarding parenting concerns has increased our turnout at EHS socializations...last month we had to bring in more chairs!    

Clay County Child Care Center serves children and families in five counties with Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care services.