The Learning Center of North Arkansas officially opened its new facility in Jasper Tuesday morning, March 5. The Newton County Chamber of Commerce, led by Director Toinette Madison, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. at the 220 South Stone Street location next door to the Newton County Library.
The project began over two years ago when Executive Director Karla Gray met with community leaders including former Mayor Jan Larsen who strongly advocated the need for quality childcare in the community. After several attempts at purchasing property, an offer was made on the former laundromat and car wash on Stone Street.
The center renovated one building, subsequently tore down the other and built a new parking lot. The center also purchased the adjacent house to the car wash, removed it and will hopefully be building another childcare center as the need grows in the community.
After months of renovations and changes to the location, the facility received its license from the State of Arkansas for operation.
The Learning Center provides services to children birth to five years of age. An initial screening is conducted on a child to determine placement, and based on the evaluation provided, the child could possibly qualify for free services. The center provides one-on-one instruction based on goals and objectives which were identified in the evaluations. The center also provides bus service; hot meals provided by the Newton County Senior Center and physical, occupational, speech and developmental therapies. Presently, over 50 children may receive services at the new Jasper Campus of The Learning Center.
Site Director Chasity Little has a master of arts degree in teaching and is eager to show the public the new facilities. She can be reached at (870) 280-2912. As the enrollment rises, The center will also be looking for applicants with childcare experience. They offer competitive salaries plus health insurance and 401k benefits. The website www.tlcna.com also offers applications and more information about the services and job positions available.
