For Jenna Kelsey, the Jefferson City Day Care Center is what enables her go to work every day and not have to worry about her two daughters.
Kelsey, 29, is the sole provider for her two daughters - Emily, 8, and Kaylee, 4. She works full time at Taco Bell as well as two nights per week with a cleaning service, all to support her family. Missing time with her daughters is tough, she said, but at least she doesn't have to worry about where they are. She knows they're safe at the day care center and, when she works with the cleaning service, the girls are watched by Kelsey's sister.
"I can drop them off at 7 o'clock in the morning when they open the doors, and I don't have to worry about anything bad happening to my kids, except for maybe a scrape or a scratch," Kelsey said. "The normal stuff."
But even with working two jobs, Kelsey said it would not provide her with enough money to afford child care if it weren't for the Jefferson City Day Care. Child care typically is an incredibly expensive venture, and many working parents struggle to afford it. Kelsey said it often can cost the equivalent of a house payment, but because of the center's sliding fee scale, which is based on a family's size and gross annual income, she is able to afford quality child care.
"Jefferson City Day Care's awesome," Kelsey said. "I wouldn't be able to afford child care without it."
Aside from the affordability, Kelsey said the center has helped teach her daughters well through the years. The center uses a creative curriculum, which is sanctioned by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, for preschool and infant and toddler programs.
Emily did not start at the day care until she was about 3 or 4 years old, Kelsey said, but Kaylee began as an infant, which led to quicker cognitive development. Kelsey said Kaylee was able to talk earlier and recognize objects quicker than her first child.
"I've noticed a big difference between my two kids," Kelsey said. "They work with them really well there."
If you wish to donate
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The United Way will establish a Christmas Wish fund, and donors can give a gift "in the name of" someone specific, or a United Way partner agency.
A volunteer committee will oversee the distribution of these funds.
If you want to help fill a Christmas Wish, mail checks to United Way of Central Missouri, 205 Alameda Drive, Jefferson City Missouri 65109. "News Tribune Christmas Wish Fund" should be noted on the memo line of the check.
Questions may be directed to Ann Bax, President of United Way of Central Missouri, 573-636-4100, or [email protected].
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For nearly half-century, Jefferson City Day Care has nurtured Capital City children