Learning Center Aims to Be More than Average Daycare
Director of Children’s Ministry Gail Frack and Director of Daycare Emily Crossley plan out storytime for the August 31 opening of “A Brighter Day Learning Center” in East Franklin Township.
by Jonathan Weaver
Staff members of a new childcare option in East Franklin Township are unpacking toys and assembling safety equipment in preparation for their opening in two weeks.
“A Brighter Day Learning Center” will open at 6AM August 31 for children from six weeks to six years old in rooms formerly used for children’s ministry at Harvest Community Church.
Executive Pastor Rev. Fred Neal said discussion began in December regarding a way to ease the stress of working families and single parents, but that it is not a “church-first” effort.
“We had been thinking about what we could do to connect to the families in the community, and we know in many cases, the mom and the dad both have to work out(side) the home and are concerned for their children as they do,” Rev. Neal said. “We’d like to be in a position to help them, help the children learn and prepare them for school, for life with sound, early-learning activities.
“Anyone who wants to have their children cared for, we’re willing to do that. Of course we’re going to bring a sound Christian teaching throughout the learning activity, but I think it would be very appropriate for anyone.”
Rev. Neal said church leadership members about 15 years ago envisioned opening a Christian school, but that is no longer the goal –instead supplementing current school options in the community.
Director of Children’s Ministry Gail Frack, of Rimer, said the current five-member staff hopes to start off by teaching 25 children. All curriculum in the learning center will be State-approved through Keystone Stars education guidelines.
“Our goal is quality – we want to do what we’re doing well. We want it to be more than daycare – to be a learning center where we’re constantly learning, even the staff,” Frack said. “Our goal is that the staff be trained above-and-beyond what the state requires.”
Frack homeschooled both her now-college aged children and is looking forward to reading to the children, while Director of Daycare Emily Crossley hopes to establish a music program.
Crossley, of North Buffalo, was hired July 6 and said she is honored to be in her position.
“I just walked into a really great thing,” Crossley said. “I’m really, really thankful – excited to be part of this team.”
Crossley – a former Kittanning Senior High School teacher and 1998 grad - has a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and has taught private lessons in her own home to children as young as five years old. She also established a music program with toddlers at a Penn Hills daycare after graduating college before working in secondary education.
“I’ve had a lot of experience with children – I’ve also helped (at Harvest Community Church) with children’s ministry, helped lead worship – and plus, I have my own kids,” Crossley added.
Crossley’s four-year-old son, Luke, will enroll in “A Brighter Day,” with her eight-year-old daughter, Madison, looking forward to enrolling in a soon-to-be afterschool program associated with the learning center.
“A Brighter Day” will be open year-round and from 6AM-6PM Monday through Friday. Registration information and tuition rates – including options for families who qualify for government-funded Child Care Information Services - is available by calling 724-548-5643, extension 39.
Local News | jweaver August 19, 2015
