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Newton Community Child Care Center names new director
The Newton Community Child Care Center, Inc., board of directors announces the selection of a new director to oversee the center’s staff and students.
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Effective Monday, Sept. 29, Heidi Collins of Newton begins management of the daily activities at the center located at 805 Medical Center Drive (formerly the Newton Medical Center Child Care Center).
To provide continuity for the current children and families served at the center, Collins seeks to employ many of the current teachers and staff.
“It is exciting to have a well-qualified, experienced director,” Board President Rita Flickinger said. “The board and Heidi are willing to do what it takes to maintain the quality of child care established at the center.”
Collins most recently worked as director of Sunrise Christian Child Care in Bel Aire, Kan., where she was nominated for the “Director of the Year” honor from the Early Childhood Directors Organization. She also served as director of Creation Station Child Care in Derby, Kan., for four years.
A 2003 psychology graduate of Wichita State University, Collins was co-leader and teacher assistant at WSU’s Child Development Center.
Collins brings seven years of experience to her new position. She is a member of the National Association of Child Care Professionals, and she is certified in CPR and First Aid and has studied signing exact English and basic Spanish. She served on the Barton County Community College advisory board and facilitated BCCC workshops.
The mother of a two-year-old daughter, Collins and her husband Tim reside in Newton.
A group of community leaders, parents and individuals seeking solutions to the area’s urgent child care needs formed in July a non-profit organization named The Newton Community Child Care Center, Inc. This organization developed a business plan for operating a community-based childcare center to serve 74 children at affordable rates.
Newton Medical Center board of directors approved moving forward in support of the NCCCC. The Medical Center’s contribution to this endeavor is to provide support during a period of transition and to provide the facility to the NCCCC at a nominal cost of $1 per year.
Collins will greet current parents and families during a special parent’s meeting Sept. 9.
“Little Railers,” as the program is known informally, provides childcare and early childhood education for infants through pre-kindergarten. The hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Enrollment is open to all area children. For information about enrollment and weekly rates, please call (316) 804-6094.
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