The Small World Children Center was started in 1983 as a preschool. Sherry Gullberg said, "The preschool was originally started by a group of parents who were interested in providing education to preschool age children.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by Bonnie Johnson - The Quill Staff
Taking Care Of Kids, It's A Business
Small World Children Center
The Small World Children Center was started in 1983 as a preschool. Sherry Gullberg said, "The preschool was originally started by a group of parents who were interested in providing education to preschool age children.
The Stronghurst United Methodist Church fellowship hall was rented and the preschool remained there for seven years".
Dorothy Byrd was the first director of the preschool.
In 1990, the former Vern and Ruth Wood home across the street from the school was purchased and along with a preschool, a day care for younger children was formed. The old garage was torn down and replaced by a new building that housed the preschool.
The house was used as a day care and the Small World became a corporation and was named Small World Children Center. The building that housed the preschool was rented to the school district.
Several years later, the preschool was moved to the building that belonged to the school district. This building burned in the spring of 2004.
Small World continued with their preschool program in the building and the day care remained in the remodeled house.
Sherry Gullberg was director of both the day care and the preschool for a period of time.
Kelly Finley, from West Burlington, IA, is the director of Small World. She began working at Small World part time two years ago. She has a bachelors degree in psychology. Kelly helps with the 0-2 year olds. She does have an active group of little ones. There are cars to ride and many, many toys to play with. There are clean beds for them to nap in and stacks of diapers to be used as needed.
I asked Kelly what was tough about her job and she said, "the government regulations are very strict. They have to be followed constantly". The day care is allowed to have 41 children and no more. The summertime attendance seems to fluctuate because of vacations and at home sitters.
There are nine full and part time people. Sherry Gullberg is the director of the preschool children during the school year. Sherry said, " The Center is a non-profit organization that charges a monthly tuition. Government regulations are certainly our biggest concern. The Children Center is under the regulations of D.C.F.S. They are inspected annually and must meet all requirements". The preschool is allowed to have up to 10 students.
Angie Melvin is the assistant director and is in charge of the 2-4 year old, the toddlers. Kris Koehler has the K-12 year old students in the summertime. Other helpers in the day care are Ann Wetzel, head cook; Yolanda Phillips, cook and aide; Janice Ford, an Aide; Debbie Lefler, in charge of the 0-2 year olds, and Taryn Gullberg, who substitutes wherever needed.
Kelly says, "We have a good group of children and a good group of parents to work with. We try to have an open house each year and that is fun. It's always fun to have the families visit". When asked about the fun things that happen, Kelly said, "well you never know what these little ones are going to do or say. For instance, we've had some put rocks in their nose and/or ears. That can be quite an experience".
For something different to do, they go to the park to play and have water games when the weather permits. They even walked down to the fairgrounds to see sheep being sheared. One little child said "they saw naked sheep".
The children are given 2 snacks each day plus lunch. They are open from 6:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They are closed holidays.
Angie Melvin, Assistant Director, said, "It's fun working with the children, because the parents are good people and the children are good to work with". I talked with Angie and her group outside in the playground and the children really have fun playing with the toys and climbing around the play sets in the fenced-in yard. They are carefully watched by the aides.
This children center is a good place to bring a child for good care, good food, and a good time playing with other children. The community is fortunate in having a center such as this and other children centers in the area. It's good to be able to leave a child close to the area in which he/she lives. It helps the community economically as well.
Kelly Finley, (right) Director of Small World, with the aid of Yolanda Phillips, tries coaxing a toddler to join them.
Kris Koehler is overseeing the kindergarten through 12 year old students on the play ground equipment.
Angie Melvin is Assistant Director and also in charge of the 2-4 year old children. Students are enjoying the playground equipment at Small World.