Anderson new director at Decatur Care for Kids
Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
DECATUR ó Pam Anderson is serving as the new director for the Decatur Care for Kids, a faithbased daycare facility operated by the ministerial alliance.
The wife of pastor Kirk Anderson, Pam stepped into her new role when the center unexpectedly needed a new director in late September. Even though it was an unplanned change, Anderson has plenty of qualifications for the job, with a bachelors degree in business administration and a love of working with children. She also has the experience of raising four children of her own.
Anderson was considering getting her certificate in child development even before she became director of Decatur Care for Kids, and now she is starting the classes. Her favorite part of working at the center, she said, is working in the baby room. The ministerial alliance has operated the daycare center for the past five years and offers care for children ages six weeks through 12 years. The ministerial alliance was looking to fill the need for low-cost, high-quality daycare in Decatur. There was no daycare center in town before it opened. The center is licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services and meets or exceeds state standards, according to the parent handbook. Decatur Care for Kids can take children on a weekly or daily basis, and it has a before- and after-school program as well.
Andersonís new role as director includes preparing schedules, making sure the center stays in compliance with the Department of Human Services, cooking all the meals and opening and closing the center. Since the center is non-profit, the ministerial alliance wants to make sure it can break even, so Anderson has to keep an eye on expenses, too.
Decatur Care for Kids offers the lowest rates in the area, according the Anderson, thanks to funding from UNICEF. They also accept vouchers from the Department of Human Services for low-income families.
The center offers a low teacherto-student ratio, and a kindergarten readiness program. It incorporates Bible stories and verses in its education program to provide a Christian environment for learning.
As the new director, Anderson is planning an open house for parents and children from 11 a.m. to 2 p. m., Oct. 25. Parents will be able to tour the facilities and meet the teachers, and there will be free hot-dogs and bouncy houses to entertain the children.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online