Greater Connections close to opening

As Greater Connections Childhood Development Center gets closer to its mid-summer opening date, enrollment and construction continue.

This July, I Think I Can Childcare Center will be switching to a new name and location. Becoming Greater Connections Childhood Development Center, it will be at 1405 N. Lincoln St. across from Southern Prairie Family Fitness Center.

Melissa Zellmer, director of I Think I Can and the new Greater Connections, shared her excitement for the new center.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the children in our community,” Zellmer said. “Many community entities have worked really hard to provide a vision for childcare in our community and I am thankful to be able to lead that vision.”

Zellmer has been a part of the I Think I Can team for less than a year.

“I was hired in August and have worked really hard in the last few months to train new staff, increase enrollment at ITIC and prepare to transition those kiddos to the new center,” Zellmer said. “The new center will give us the opportunity to provide care to 175 children in our community with curriculum that will provide children with the opportunity to grow and learn at their development.”

While the new Greater Connections was started with a goal to provide more childcare options for hospital staff, it will be open to all community members.

Greater Connections will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and accepts DHS/Childcare assistance. Those interested in getting on the waitlist should call 641-782-7117.