A newly constructed building in Jefferson aims to serve more youngsters as it looks toward the future.

On September 26th, the Greene County Early Learning Center will become The Children’s Center when its new building will open for newborns to 4th graders at 306 South Vine Street. Director Cherie Cerveny says this is a dream come true as they continue to provide a place for learning and growth for kids.

“But for me it’s been a longer journey because I’ve worked at the center for 17 years and I’ve been the director for 15, and this is just something we’ve always wanted to do to have everything built for the children that we take care of.”

Cerveny adds they wanted the new name The Children’s Center to reflect their primary focus, which is the children. The Children’s Center Board Co-President Jacque Andrew says there are several new features of the facility, including look out points with full length windows for all of the kids to look through and see outside, along with security measures.

“We have access specifically for each parent to be able to access the building and we also have security cameras strategically (located) throughout the building and the outside. We have a lot of great features that have been incorporated into this building because we want parents to be very comfortable with having their children here.”  

In addition to adding more space, The Children’s Center also has a larger kitchen with a separate food storage area and a sanitizing machine for toys. They also have a generator they received from the Greene County School District that provided power to their former facility during the tornadoes last December and the derecho storms. Another key feature is the five-year-old to 4th grade room is a “hardened room” that provides a shelter for everyone to use if the need arises. 

The new building will serve up to 148 kids and more staff will be needed for the additional children. Following the September 26th opening, there will be a ribbon cutting and grand opening scheduled later.