Supporting our future

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Posted on Jan 20 2025 in Jay County REMC
Youngster at Toddlertown

LEARNING CENTER PROVIDES RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE

By Carly Nichols

Every month, we enjoy profiling local businesses in our community and highlighting your neighbors’ unique and valuable products and services. This month, we proudly introduce Toddlertown Early Learning Center of Portland.

I had the chance to sit and talk with Director Deanna Homan and Assistant Director Kristin Rines. Toddlertown, located behind Patriot Auto Sales and Service, is the brainchild of Wade and Susan Kohler. As the owners of Pioneer Packaging, the Kohlers have long been thinking about a facility providing reliable and affordable childcare for their employees and the community. “They wanted their employees to be able to work and have good childcare,” Homan explained, saying that they didn’t want people to have to choose between one or the other.

The demand and need for such daycare in the area were obvious. The facility can accommodate approximately 60 children at any given time. Though the center only opened in February 2024, they already have a three-year waiting list. However, this should encourage you to check in with them about your specific needs for your children. Homan and Rines noted that there are different age rooms and programs, so while all the younger rooms might be full, the morning and afternoon sessions for older children still have space available. They accept children up to 12 years old for these programs.

With 14 staff members, each room is staffed with one lead teacher who must have a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree in early childhood development. Additional support staff must have high school diplomas, and all employees are subject to strict background checks and drug testing.

Toddlertown’s standards are so high because “we are a learning center. It’s more than just a babysitter,” Homan explained. Following the Frog Street Curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, Toddlertown offers engaging daily schedules. The children participate in dancing, music movement, circle time, sensory activities, outside play, and much more.

The most interesting thing I learned about the center is that every detail of your experience there boils down to your child’s specific needs. Because the teachers have specialized degrees, they can work with children of all abilities and skill levels. This offers parents peace of mind, knowing that their children are getting the best care while they are at work.

If you have questions regarding availability at Toddlertown or would like to join their waitlist, visit their website at toddlertownelc.com or call the center at 260-502-5437.

Carly Nichols is marketing and communication coordinator at Jay County REMC