HOLLAND, Mich. — An early childhood center is opening in Holland. On Tuesday, the community got to tour the new center which is part of South Olive Christian School. School administrators said they can't wait until the building is full of children.
"We are so excited. We have the daycare grand opening today. Exciting times, because this has been in the works for a couple years now," said school administrator Scott Vanderberg.
Parents and children came out for the grand opening of the new non-profit Early Education Childhood Center at South Olive Christian School.
"The biggest thing that we're most excited about is that we are providing new spots in Ottawa County, much needed new spots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, especially, to have quality care," said Early Childhood Center's Director Janet Underwood.
The building was donated by South Olive Christian Reformed Church. The center will offer early childhood care for children from 12 weeks to three and a half years old. Vanderberg said there's a big need for childcare in the community.
"Our objective is to start this daycare and then impact the community with the love of Christ, not only that, we have an elementary school and middle school behind us too, that we certainly want these kids to filter into that school. There are two objectives, reach the community and second objective is to use it as a pipeline to fill our schools," said Vanderberg.
Currently, the center needs inspections to be completed before they can officially open their building to children on Aug. 26. Vanderberg said he can't wait until then and hopes the community will support the early childhood center.
"Through this process, one thing that I've learned is you don't start a daycare to make money. This is not something to become a millionaire at, you start a daycare for the love of the kids," said Vanderberg.