By Lana Meier with files with Dennis Young
Twenty-five years after Miami opened its first licensed child-care centre, the Miami Children’s Facility (MCF) continues to nurture local families, support working parents and help the community grow — just as its founders hoped when the doors first opened in 2000.
The Miami Children’s Facility has been a cornerstone for local families since opening its doors in 2000. The two-storey centre features bright play spaces and a secure outdoor playground where children can learn and grow close to home
It took more than three years of planning and hard work before the project became a reality. The two-storey, 1,100-square-foot building was constructed at a cost of $125,000 thanks to strong community support. Many residents volunteered their time or donated funds, while the RM of Thompson contributed $10,000 and provided a lot on the west side of Collingwood Personal Care Home.
Donna Riddell, the first director and driving force behind the committee formed in 1997, said at the time that the centre was designed to feel like home. “We wanted a home atmosphere,” she said.
The facility originally operated with two full-time and three part-time staff and could accommodate 26 registered children. It offered a multi-age program so siblings could stay together and a meal program that allowed everyone to eat lunch at once.
Former Reeve Brian Schwartz summed up the project’s importance when he said, “It’s a fact of life that you need a day care as lots of families have both parents working. As well, it might attract new residents.”
A grand opening was held in September 2000 after a year of construction. Facility chair Karen Alexander praised the level of support that helped make the dream possible. “We not only received financial support, but we also received support in many ways. Success is a journey, and we’ll continue to look for ways to keep this program running and suited to the needs of Miami and surrounding communities.”
Enrollment started with 12 children in 1999 and doubled to 26 by opening day. The board was already discussing future services — including a joint nursery school program between Miami, Graysville and Roland — and hopes to one day add a parent resource co-ordinator position.
Current director Kelly Unrau, who has worked at MCF for 22 years and led the centre in recent years, said the facility has grown and adapted continually.
“One thing I have learned in my years of child care is that things are always changing,” said Unrau.
Over the years, there have been several minor interior renovations to make better use of the space. Two years ago, the centre undertook major playground renovations, replacing pea gravel with rubber surfacing and installing a large play structure suitable for all age groups. “This playground upgrade was a big deal for us, and the children love the new structure,” she said.
MCF’s capacity has also expanded beyond its original 26 children. “Our facility has space for 28 children, and around 10 years ago we opened up a before- and after-school program in the Miami School,” Unrau said. “Between the two sites we have over 50 children registered. We also have a waiting list now, which wasn’t common for us initially. Because we still offer part-time care as much as we are able, we can take in many children.”
Unrau credits much of the facility’s success to its dedicated staff. “The majority of the staff at MCF have been here for over 10 years, with three of us being at or over the 20-year mark,” she said. “I believe our effort to provide a home-like environment and our small-centre feel are a big part of why staff enjoy it here and stick around.”
Unrau also believes the centre plays a vital role in supporting local families and keeping Miami vibrant. “Having a child-care centre in Miami is a big part of why the town continues to grow,” she said. “Whether children come from homes with two working parents, a single parent, or have a parent at home but need opportunities to interact with others, child care is important for many families. Both MCF and the school are full of families that grew up in Miami, as well as new young families that have recently located here. Without child care and a school, the town would not have seen the growth it has in the last 20 years.”
After 25 years, MCF has now served multiple generations of Miami families. “There are a few former children who are now grown and bring their own children here,” said Unrau. “It’s neat to talk to the current children about when we used to care for their parents. We’ve also had a few former children become employed here as summer students. It’s pretty awesome to see kids I used to care for as infants or preschoolers grow up and care for my own children.”
MCF’s continued success is closely tied to its community partnerships. “Our partnership with the school is very important to us,” said Unrau. “The children who attend our before- and after-school program also attend school all day. Both MCF staff and school staff want those children’s days to be as positive as possible. We’ve appreciated the teachers who share their classrooms with us and the school’s willingness to respect all extra protocols put in place during the pandemic.”
Support from local governments and organizations has also been vital. “The RM of Thompson and the Town of Miami have been crucial supports of the centre over the years, and they’re a big reason the centre was able to open in the first place,” Unrau said. “The Miami and Area Foundation has also been a big supporter of ours, giving us their biggest donation ever toward our playground upgrades and helping with smaller projects over the years as well.”
She added that MCF owes much to its volunteer board of directors. “Child-care centres are run by volunteers, mostly parents, who make up the board of directors. I can’t begin to name or count those who have served on the MCF board in the last 25 years, but we appreciate them all.”
To mark the milestone, MCF hosted a barbecue on Oct. 9 for current and former families, staff and board members. “The event was well attended, and it was really neat to visit with those we haven’t seen in a while,” Unrau said. “Some former families toured the building, reminisced about their time here, and got to see how things have changed since they’ve left.”
After 25 years of growth and community connection, the Miami Children’s Facility continues to embody the vision set out by its founders — providing quality care in a nurturing, family-centred environment.
“We are really proud of the centre’s growth in the last 25 years,” said Unrau. “And we’re excited to see what is yet to come.”
