SALC celebrates new progrmming

Lime Springs - On May 30, 2017, the Spring Ahead Learning Center Board named Jodie Hubka as director of the child care center, located in Lime Springs. Hubka completed a certificate in early childhood from NICC in early May and also holds an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Business. 

“These past six months have been great. I started working at the center in 2015 in the infant room. I have always really enjoyed working with kids. Now I get to put my business and leadership skills to work as well,” commented Hubka.

Along with six dedicated staff members, Hubka has made positive improvements at the center. “Spring Ahead has been open for almost five years. This summer and fall we repainted the entire center and added bright colors. It’s fun and appropriate for our kids,” said Hubka. “We have also replaced equipment and updated the kitchen because of grants we received this year.” In 2017, Spring Ahead received grants from Grace Hughes Foundation, Howard County Community Foundation, the Lutheran Endowment Fund and Oneota Club.

One of the biggest and most exciting changes involved the three-year-old preschool programming. Fifteen children enrolled in preschool for the 2017-2018 school year. Therefore, Spring Ahead focused its preschool services to meet the needs of its students and hired recent NICC graduate Courtney McKenna from Riceville. McKenna replaced long-time educator Elaine Gassett, who retired from teaching preschool in May.

“With so many three-year-olds, we divided our preschool programming into two different classes. One meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while the other meets Tuesday and Thursday,” stated McKenna. “Preschool now runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.”

Spring Ahead staff considers student’s readiness and staff ratios to determine which preschool class best meets their needs. During the day, preschoolers engage in centers, class meetings, activities to work on motor skills and crafts. “We use Creative Curriculum and incorporate Jolly Phonics for literacy. It’s the same curriculum as Howard-Winn preschool, so we are hoping to prepare them well for the next step,” shared McKenna.

Up next for Spring Ahead is its annual fundraising event. The Winter Gala will be held on Jan. 20 at the Lime Springs Community Center and includes dinner with a live auction of items made and donated by local residents. “The support of the community for the center continues to be amazing! Each year community members attend the gala, have some fun and raise money for the kids of the area,” said Hubka.

Tickets for the Winter Gala are $30 and available from Jodie Hubka at Spring Ahead Learning Center or Jordan Guyer at CUSB Bank, Lime Springs. Call Jodie at 563-566-8058 for more information or to enroll your child at SALC. Tours are also available for interested families.