HUMBOLDT — The first step for most mothers-to-be is to seek out a physician.
Almost as quickly, she considers what child care center to use, said Janie Works.
For the past decade, many have opted for The Growing Place, a Humboldt-based child care center and preschool that began as a reliable center for B&W Trailer Hitches, operated by Joe Works, Janie’s husband.
The center not only expanded to take in more than the children of B&W employees, but it also outgrew its original environs. Today the center on the north edge of Humboldt is licensed for 82 youngsters, from birth to school age. A preschool also was added almost at the outset. (Roughly 20 percent of the children there come from B&W employees.)
Between the Growing Place and USD 258’s preschool for at-risk youngsters, Works estimates roughly 90 percent of incoming kindergartners in the school district have had some form of preschool.
“What we have learned about early childhood, is that it’s so very important the first five years of their life — even the first three years — to have good child care and structure,” said Works, who owns The Growing Place.
But as a non-profit facility, Works also understands her center’s reach is limited.
“There are kids who fall through the cracks,” she said. “Even with two parents working, sometimes wages in southeast Kansas are such that families can’t afford good, quality child care. That’s what we want to provide. But that’s what some of them aren’t getting.”
Works hopes to change that with fundraisers, such as Saturday’s upcoming scholarship gala.
The goal is to fund “partial scholarships” so parents can utilize The Growing Place for their children.
Saturday’s fundraiser begins at 7 p.m. at the Works of Art Gallery in downtown Humboldt.
In addition to a silent auction and entertainment from local pianist extraordinaire Todd East, child care advocates will speak about the importance of early childhood education.
Tickets sell for $20 and can be ordered by calling (620) 473-3955.
“If people would RSVP, it’d be wonderful,” Works said. “That way we know how many people will take part. But they can also purchase tickets at the door.”
