TLC Childcare unaffected by Saturday church fire

By NORRIS LEDYARD

Expositor Staff Writer

While the Trinity Lutheran Church is dealing with the aftermath of the fire in the sanctuary Saturday evening, it is business as usual at Trinity Lutheran Church Childcare, Incorporated (TLC Childcare).

"Our operation was unaffected by the fire," said Elaine Krauss, director of TLC Childcare. "The Educational wing of the church did not miss a beat in serving out clients."

Krauss was hired by the Trinity Lutheran Church back in June 2003 to start the process of providing childcare for the preschool and school-aged children of the area. "Recently, we celebrated our fifth anniversary in operating our center. It has been a very satisfying process as we have grown," said Krauss. "There has been great support from the daycare board here at the church. Lori Manz is our current chairperson and the entire board does a terrific job."

TLC Childcare operates a full-service childcare center that accepts children as young as 18 months through school age children. "We have 55 to 60 children currently enrolled in our programs. Some of our students are 11 years old," said Krauss. They operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round Monday through Friday.

"We are licensed by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) and we are affiliated with the Northwest Ohio Community Action Committee (NOCAC)."

There are 10 teachers currently to greet and lead these young folks through early learning and activities. The other teachers are Vanessa Bradner, Nicole Miller, Sarah Krauss, Cassandra Markley, Shirley Guise, Kellie Eckman, Stephanie Agullana, Marlene Buckenmeyer and Jackie Osborne. Krauss is also thankful for the janitorial staff and everyone who pitches in throughout the church.

TLC Childcare's efforts in enrolling into the Step Up to Quality has also gained its operation a One Star rating and they expect to receive their banner shortly. The entire process is evaluated by the Lucas County YWCA, who works in conjunction with the ODJFS. There are classroom observations conducted by ODJFS to prove the information submitted.

"We are so excited for all the possibilities that the childcare center will benefit from our One Star rating," said Krauss.

NOCAC is a childcare grantee for five counties in northwest Ohio.