New Happy Camp childcare center helps parents say 'yes' to full-time careers

Siskiyou Daily News - 8/31/2021

Aug. 27—A new licensed childcare center for kids ages 2 to 5 in the small Siskiyou County community of Happy Camp is helping parents say "yes" to full time employment.

Located in the Happy Camp Community Center, Little Campers Child Care Center hosted a grand opening celebration last week. Community center executive director Abby Yeager said the center "has been a dream for our nonprofit for five years ... We are so excited this special day has finally come."

This is the first licensed childcare center in Happy Camp. Before its opening over the summer, families found it difficult to find childcare services for younger children. Many times, parents had to turn down full time work because they couldn't find anyone to care for their kids. Last year's Slater Fire compounded the problem when it destroyed many homes, including those that served as daycare facilities.

Emily Kinsella is a single mother and Slater Fire survivor. Having a place to bring her twin girls has opened up new doors for her — She can now pursue a career as a teacher at Happy Camp Elementary School.

"The daycare is so well done ... It truly provides our little (ones) with a loving and supportive environment to learn and grow," Kinsella said.

Abigail Tower is the facility's head teacher and director. She does a wonderful job working with young children, said Yeager during last week's ceremony.

"As a mother, I am often in awe of her ability to be effortlessly calm through incredible moments of can't-see-the-floor chaos and heart-piercing cries," Yeager said.

To address the lack of early childcare in the community, the Happy Camp Child Care Collaborative was established in January, including members from the community and organizations dedicated to both children and the Happy Camp community.

The Karuk Tribe donated $50,000, which went toward purchasing playground equipment, kitchen equipment, and and safety equipment, including a fence around the facility. Buster Attebery, Chairman of the Karuk Tribe, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the Aug. 23 grand opening ceremony.

Morgan McDonald said having the daycare center in Happy Camp will be a way for parents like herself to pursue jobs.

"After having to say no to a full-time job I love because (there was) no childcare for months upon months, I was finally able to say yes and make it happen for my family, thanks to the Community Center," McDonald said.

Marie Caldwell, Director of SiskiyouWorks, was a key partner in the Slater Fire Long Term Recovery Group. She said one of the first tasks was to determine key areas that needed to be addressed. Childcare was identified as a priority.

"First and foremost, without childcare, economic development cannot happen," said Caldwell. "If we can't be sure that our children are well cared for, we can't go to work and be productive."

Yeager gave a special thanks to First 5 Siskiyou, which helped open the facility by enabling the group to use First 5 contract dollars through their partnership.

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