KLN, Perham Health address employee child care needs

PERHAM — KLN Family Brands and Perham Health teamed up to address child care shortages in the community and help their employees.

Marni Moch, wellness coordinator for KLN, said the company became aware that some of its 850 employees were struggling to find child care, especially for infant and toddler-aged children.

“We knew it was a problem but weren’t sure how big, or to what extent,” Moch said. “So, we dove in and did a companywide survey.”

While KLN recognized there was a need for child care, Perham Health had also conducted a survey and found the same results. Moch said the two entities began working on a plan about two years ago.

When the Boys & Girls Club in Perham moved to a new location, the building they were formerly located in became available. The building happens to be owned by Perham Health.

Moch said members of KLN and Perham Health toured the old club location. The site appeared to be an opportunity waiting for a child care provider.

Around that time, Sue TenEyck-Stafki was looking to expand Children's Corner. The executive director for the child care providing nonprofit said she’s worked alongside Perham Health for about 10 years, offering her day care services in a section of the old hospital.

She said the new space afforded to the child care provider will be able to serve 16 infants (ages six weeks to 16 months), 14 toddlers (ages 16-35 months) and 20 preschoolers (35 months to first day of school). Hours of operation will be from 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with parents signing up for a 9 ½ hour block of time.

TenEyck-Stafki said the child care center plans to open for infants and toddlers in May. There is already a waiting list for infant and toddler slots. The new preschool slots are set to open June 5.

Parents interested in learning more about the child care opportunity can call either 218-346-5440 or 218-739-2847.

TenEyck-Stafki said the facility is open to everyone, not just employees at KLN and Perham Health.

Parents bringing their kids to the Children's Corner can expect learning-based child care, meaning teachers have weekly lesson plans to provide developmentally appropriate learning and activities.

TenEyck-Stafki said plenty of hands-on learning happens, as well as play based in structured and unstructured environments. Teachers have educational backgrounds and credentials.

She noted the kids also spend time outdoors as well, and the facility doesn't allow screens in the day care.

“No TVs or iPads are allowed,” she said.