by Jayne Sheafer

With a move to the seminary many families experience the need for dependable, affordable, secure daycare. For some families this will be their first experience with using daycare, and they want to make this transition as easy as possible. Christ's Child Learning Corner (CCLC) is a registered child care of the state of Indiana and provides quality care right on the seminary campus.

Renita Nahrwold, Director of CCLC, describes what they offer to those in need of care for their children, "We provide the utmost quality care in a secure and loving Christian environment. This includes physical, emotional, and educational stimulation to meet the needs of each child enrolled at CCLC." Care is available for infants age six weeks to preschoolers through age five. There is also a "Kids on Campus" program which provides care during school breaks and through the summer for children up to age 12.

Having daycare provided on the seminary campus is a real plus for students of CTS. Mom or Dad can drop the children off in the morning and know they are in a very secure environment. Parents are encouraged to drop in to visit whenever they have the opportunity. "This also provides the fathers with the opportunity to be close to their children, visit them during the day, take them to chapel, or have lunch with them," commented Mrs. Nahrwold.

There are other advantages to having a daycare located on campus. The children in daycare are able to attend weekly chapel service, go to storytime at the library, and use the gymnasium. "We are able to take advantage of the nutritious hot lunches that are delivered from the seminary dining hall and are fortunate to have the availability of the campus nurse," explained Mrs. Nahrwold.

The cost of daycare is a concern, especially for seminary families on a tight budget. Every effort is made to help lessen the financial burden of care at CCLC. There is financial aid available, and the staff will work with families to help keep the cost of care affordable.

Because of everything CCLC has to offer and the loving attitude of the staff, it has acquired quite a positive reputation with the parents who choose to enroll their children. Brad and Jessica Borchelt have three children enrolled at CCLC, Meagan-5, Matthew-3, and Katie-1. "We had never used daycare and I was quite hesitant," explained Jessica. "CCLC has turned out to be such a blessing for our family. The staff is so involved with our children and teaching them so much. They work on everything from prayers and the Creeds to manners, numbers, colors, and letters." Jessica, a seminary employee, is also thrilled with the campus-based daycare as she often will see her kids doing different activities on campus during the week. "How many places are there where you have so many opportunities to interact with your children and even worship with them during the week?" pondered Jessica.

CCLC provides a much needed service to seminary families and helps put their minds at ease when they leave their precious children for the day. "With the support we receive from the seminary, our area Lutheran churches, and with a highly qualified, dedicated staff, there is no comparison with other centers," says Mrs. Nahrwold. If you would like more information about CCLC, you may contact Mrs. Nahrwold at 260-452-2240, or e-mail her at nahrwoldrl@mail.ctsfw.edu.

Jayne Sheafer is a Public Relations Officer at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

From Volume 7, Issue 1, Winter 2004