The sounds of children’s voices are starting to fill the classrooms and playground at the new Red Oak Child Development Center (ROCDC). The Montgomery County Child Development Association Board of Directors, ROCDC Staff, Red Oak Community School District (ROCSD) Staff and representatives from the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association along with their children celebrated the official ribbon cutting for ROCDC Friday August 14th at 10am.

photo submitted

Laura Kloewer, Montgomery County Child Development (MCCDA) Board Vice-Chair, said “We have come so far in in the last two years, we’ve overcome so much and now to be here today and to see the playground filled with children; there are just no words. Thank You.”

The event was small and socially distanced with attendees wearing masks, but you could still hear the excitement in the voices of Kelly Osheim, MCCDA Board Chair and Jacque Howell, ROCDC Director as they addressed the group. The Red Oak Chamber and Industry congratulated and welcomed ROCDC to the community and the children in attendance gathered around to help hold the ribbon and make the ceremonial cut. Teachers then welcomed board members and attendees into their classrooms to show them around.

Monday August 17th ROCDC doors will officially open their doors and according to Howell the classrooms are almost full. The centers fundraising success tells the story of the community’s support. With almost $900,000 raised of their $1,000,000 goal the fundraising committee is thrilled. “We are so close to our goal” said Osheim “When the pandemic hit we knew the need for childcare would be even greater and we need to keep moving with our fall open date, but we were worried what fundraising would look like. Our community has been behind this project 100% though and their generosity has made this dream a reality.”

The Red Oak Child Development Center is located in the Red Oak Community School District’s Early Childhood Center (formerly Washington School) and will offer full and part time care to children ages 6 weeks – 12 years old. If you are interested in getting more information please visit www.redoakcdc.org or check out their Facebook page.