Christian Child Care accomodates Logan County needs

Nov. 02--It takes a community to do what Christian Child Care does. Faced with fewer child care choices, parents who work have turned to the center on Wyatt Avenue in Lincoln, which is trying to accommodate as many as they can.

Liberty Canady, Christian Child Care's director, said after hearing the news of Little Lambs closing she knew it was important to take action.

"I started making phone calls to find out what our options would be. Checking with license holders, fire professionals and the City of Lincoln to see what we could do to help the situation. I knew we would have parents needing child care, and we were already licensed so it was a matter of making it work," said Canady.

"We did a lot of praying and asked God for help," continued Canady.

Through support of everyone working together, Canady said Christian Child Care has hit the ground running.

"We understood the transition for Little Lambs families and wanted to make it good for them as well as their child. We held an open house for staff and family in order to develop a relationship making it a smooth process," said Canady.

Christian Child Care hired seven staff members who were with Little Lambs previously and increased the staff size to 30.

"I'm proud of our staff. They are educated, trained and committed to the well-being of those we serve. Each one has 20 hours in early childhood classes and all are CPR certified," said Canady, who added the organization earned the highest Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois, which sets criteria on learning environment, instructional quality, group size and ratios, qualifications and professional development.

Canady credits the landlord of Odd Fellows for consistently taking care of the needs of the building that serves as the Christian Child Care home.

"They have been so good to us. Since I've been here they have put on a new roof, have upgraded the lighting, installed exterior doors and recently repaved the parking lot/driveway. It shows their investment in Logan County," said Canady.

Melissa Richards, president of Children's Home Board of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, said the mission of Christian Child Care reflects the goals of her organization.

"The building that Christian Childcare rents from the Odd Fellows was built in 1961 to be used as an orphanage. It was used for many years, however, it became not as needed in later times. The Odd Fellows believe in helping children and that is why the building today is used by Christian Childcare," wrote Richards in an email.

In September 2019 Christian Child Care will celebrate its 30th year of service.

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