Comet Kids Childcare looks to the future
By Brenda L. Shelkey
Three years ago, Comet Kids Childcare was just a seed of a thought, an idea that was planted by civic-minded adults who could see a need for additional day care in Underwood. The center has weathered several stages of growth since its inception. But all of the hard work and planning that goes into establishing a licensed group daycare has been worth the effort. The volunteer board of directors reflected on how far they have come since the idea to add needed daycare services was first suggested. Board member David Beck remembered looking for a building then having to determine what renovations would be needed. Donations from local businesses and fundraisers supported the renovations. Once the board of directors agreed on using Underwood’s old city clinic building, the group still had a long way to go. Beck said, "Everything except the plumbing and electrician costs was donated by board members and community volunteers." It took months of focused man hours to complete. But there was other work being done at the same time. Board member Doreen Beck explained that the building was just one aspect of opening a daycare center. "Once we found the building, we still had the background work to do, like establishing it as a non-profit business," said, Beck. "We had to develop a handbook and by-laws that would define what we were trying to accomplish as a childcare center." After all the pre-work, Comet Kids Childcare became licensed through social services and opened in 2006. Board member Kelli Weisenburger explained that the center was built to provide additional daycare service to the community.
