New Beginnings Child Care Center Opens New Location

It was just a little over a year ago, when several area parents were left without childcare in the wake of the Happy Time Daycare closing.

But on Oct. 8, the memory of that difficult time was pushed aside to celebrate  the New Beginnings Childcare Center & Preschool as it officially opened for business in its new location at 100 Fourth St. in Waukee.

New Beginnings director Lori Moritz said the new digs mean she and the rest of her staff need not look back to the days when things weren't so bright.

"Finally I have something that I can call my own," she said. "I think we are one big family. The way parents and everyone has pulled together and stuck with us. It’s a dream come true for me."

Formerly known as the Happy Time Daycare before being ousted from its leased space in the Point of Grace Church in Waukee, New Beginnings changed its name and moved into a temporary space in the old Waukee Elementary School in September 2011.

But almost as soon as they moved last year, they started looking for something more permanent to house the center. For Moritz, building made sense. 

"We had some specific things we wanted in the building," she said. "But it's more beautiful than we thought it would be. A lot of the staff say they're so spoiled being in a building like it. It's more than I ever imagined. We're very fortunate."

Standing in the shadow of the Heartland Co-op, the new building is approximately 7,700 square-feet with six rooms accommodating children from 6 weeks to kindergarten age. The center also has a kitchen and a large, indoor play area for when the weather just won't cooperate.

"It’s nice for us to have with place to go indoors if we can’t get outside," Moritz added. "We wanted to make sure that was included in our plans."

You can see the new space for yourself this Thursday at an open house from 6-7 p.m. The building will be open to anyone wanting to come by and take a look. Moritz said the event coincides with the center's Fall Festival so bring the kids in their costumes, grab a cookie and juice and take a tour of the new facility.

Moritz said the new location will accommodate 86 full-time students. Enrollment is being taken now for the fall. 

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New Beginnings Childcare & Preschool

Where: 100 Fourth St., Waukee

Phone: (515) 619-0399 or 987-3563

For more information: An open house will be held this Thursday from 6-7 p.m. for anyone wanting a tour of the new facilities.