Innovative approach to child care centers
(Written by Marlon WhiteEagle – Staff Writer)
The Children’s Learning Village Montessori Child Care Center, located next to the Tribal Office Building in Black River Falls, is on course to open their doors for business. The Montessori Child Care Center was originated by Nehomah Thundercloud, a former project manager at the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency (HHCDA), and a group who met to share their ideas. The Board of Directors includes Justine Hill, Michelle Greendeer, Amanda Rockman, Bonni Bird, Gale White, Nehomah Thundercloud.
Michelle Greendeer remembers the meetings as “think-tanks, and once the ideas were shared it took off from there.” Greendeer said, “It was felt in the community that something needed to happen; meaning the community wanted a school, then a daycare, and then a sort of privatized education. And then we realized that through a Montessori learning environment, we could get all three; Especially the early childhood learning. Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency was able to procure the grant and we were awestruck that this dream/fantasy was becoming a reality.”
Greendeer said, “The Board is currently preparing job descriptions, finalizing contracts and standard operating procedures, training certifications, budgets, and personnel issues.” She continued, “The Board is also looking to establish a relationship with the Black River Falls School District to get help in attaining program aid and other tips to make the Center successful. I expect that we should have a fair amount of request for applications as the area lacks enough daycare space/room and the primary schools are all overfilled already.”
Montessori learning is based on the individual student’s interests and ability. Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori learning style, was an Italian physician and educator who spent years observing and experimenting with her students discovery and learning styles. Native American students benefit from the Montessori learning, as it involves hands on learning. Greendeer said, “Our hope is that it (the Children’s Learning Village Montessori Child Care Center) will be a true Montessori learning center nestled in a Hocak community with a twist of basic native culture concepts that encourage character development just as much as academic development.”
The building construction is nearly complete. Justine Hill, Grant Assistant at Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development said, “Construction of the building is funded by an ICDBG (Indian Community Development Block Grant – HUD grant), with a match from the Ho-Chunk Nation and HHCDA.” The building has a geo-thermal heating system which is cost effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The geo-thermal system uses the earth’s thermal energy as its source of heat.
Hill also said, “The project received the Leslie and Loretta Copeland Foundation grant for lighting in the amount of $7,500.” The building is a semi-green and has tube lighting, geothermal heat, and the windows are south-facing (to help with lighting). “Future plans are to add solar panels,” said Hill.
When the doors open, the Children’s Learning Village Montessori Child Care Center will serve families with infants over 6 weeks, toddlers from 2-3 years old, and also toddlers 3-5 years old. Greendeer said, “Exploration will be the key for student’s learning style and for the community about the teaching style that has proven to be successful. We are hopeful that the children will develop a deep love for learning that will last a lifetime.”