Last fall, Crayon Corner Learning Center, Gladbrook, earned a 4-Star Rating from Iowa’s Quality Rating System (QRS). CCLC is the only licensed Tama County daycare center that holds a 4-star rating. QRS is a voluntary program, overseen by the Department of Human Services, that recognizes daycare providers who go the extra mile in offering exceptional care. The award system grants a 1-Star rating (lowest) up to a 5-Star rating (highest).

To receive a QRS Level 1 rating a childcare center or preschool must meet Iowa’s licensing standards and procedures. A QRS Level 2 rating requires the center to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, provide orientation for new employees, ask employees to complete a self-assessment annually, and complete a center self-assessment annually.

For the QRS Level 3, 4, and 5 ratings, centers must meet the requirement in levels 1 & 2 plus have made significant steps in meeting key indicators of quality in the areas of Professional Development, Health and Safety, Environment, Family and Community Partnerships, and Leadership & Administration. Points are awarded in these five categories to determine the rating earned. The requirements for the higher rating levels get tougher as the rating level goes up.

Crayon Corner has seen many changes and improvements the last 16 months under the new leadership of Amber Gebel, the Director at Crayon Corner. This summer the entire main floor of the center was freshened up with new paint, staff and board members spent time at the center painting, waxing floors and performing general maintenance jobs. When it was all complete an open house for families and the community was held to show off the new look. It was a great time.

The center participates in the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) requiring proper serving sizes, whole grain rich foods, limits on sugar, and only 100% juice served. It is a non-pricing center, which means there isn’t a separate charge for well balanced meals (breakfast & lunch) and the two snacks that are served.

All staff meets, and in most cases exceeds, the Iowa Department of Human Service’s requirements for trainings in Mandatory Reporting, Universal Precautions, Essentials Child Care and DHS approved certification in First Aid and CPR. The staff is also required to complete annual trainings above these requirements and under Iowa Code, Section 232.69, are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. The staff enjoys and understands how young children learn and grow and they respond with sensitivity to each child’s individual needs, desires and interests.

Crayon Corner is committed to provide quality childcare and continually strives to maintain and improve. By participating in the QRS the center wants to assure families and the community that their commitment is real, and they will continue to provide a safe environment and learning experience for all the children who attend the center. If you or someone you know is looking for a licensed childcare center for a child(ren) please tell them about Crayon Corner. If you would like to set up a time to visit the center contact Amber Gebel, CCLC Director, at 641-473-2600.

As with any daycare center, Crayon Corner, relies on fundraisers to supplement the budget and we hold several throughout the year. Some of our favorites are selling Rada knives, Scratch Cupcakes, Aisle of Green flowers but our annual spring fundraiser is always the best.

This year the spring fundraiser is an Adult Prom Night on Saturday, March 7, at the Gladbrook Memorial Building. The dinner & dance is for adults only (21+) and everyone is invited to attend. The evening includes dinner, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, cash bar, and a dance. DJ, Heather Baker, will play music from all eras for all ages to enjoy and dance. And, of course, we will name a Prom King and Queen. If you choose, you can dress in the attire of your own prom night. The dinner menu is heavenly chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, fresh bread, and dessert. Tickets are $20/person and available until February 20 from any daycare family, staff & board members, at the Crayon Corner office or Gladbrook City Hall. New this year, tickets to the event are available online: go to www.eventbright.com and search for CCLC or see our new FB page CCLC Adult Prom 2020. We are again offering dinner deliveries within city limits for $20. Deliveries will be made from 5:45 – 6:30 pm. You must reserve your meal by February 21. Call Trudi Scott at 473-3139 to reserve your meal & delivery.