Charles City Ambassadors help TLC celebrate 20th anniversary

To The Press

The Chamber Ambassadors were on hand for the recent 20th anniversary celebration at TLC: The Learning Center, located at 404 North Jackson St. in Charles City.

The non-profit community child care and learning center provides a safe, fun and nurturing environment for children six weeks old through fifth grade. Its mission is to offer a quality environment with learning opportunities that foster the development of the whole child — intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

Spokesperson Shirley Kelly introduced several key people who were involved with making TLC a reality after a grassroots effort was started more than two decades ago to establish a community child care center.

“These are the people who helped us get to where we are,” she said. “Diane Casto was the director of Head Start in this area 20 years ago, working for North Iowa Community Action. Because our building was owned by NICA (TLC rents space), Diane was our property manager. After she retired she twice served as TLC’s interim director.

“Connie Parson, with her real estate expertise and energy, got us the (former Fareway) building we are in,” Kelly continued. “Jim Erb — Mayor Erb at the time — was a great advocate for TLC and his position on the North Iowa Community Action Board helped with the political maneuvering. Jim also donated at the highest level and was one of our three ‘Angels,’ as we call them.

“Dave Fuchs was on our board and headed up the building and grounds efforts. He poured a lot of time and passion into TLC. And Doug Bengtson was an elementary principal at the time and joined our board, dealing with programs and personnel. He was a big supporter of preparing the little ones to be ready to go when they moved into the elementary school level,” Kelly said.

“All of this around you, and what we’ve accomplished over the past 20 years, is very much thanks to the people who were invited to be here today,” she said.

In addition to sharing various photos and articles from last 20 years since TLC broke ground, Kelly, TLC Director Pam Ost and board President Lisa Garden expressed excitement over what the future for holds and “The Grand Plan” — TLC’s move to the back portion of the former middle school building at 500 North Grand Ave.

Remodeling of the new space will allow TLC to expand its child care capacity from 93 students now to approximately 150. With available child care one of the top issues across Iowa right now, the expansion project is sorely needed, according to state and local officials.

A special open house was held later that morning at 500 North Grand to show off the space and discuss the expansion plans. Construction on the remodeling is expected to begin in June.

“Exciting times,” said Kelly.

TLC: The Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (641) 228-4525 for more information or visit the website at www.charlescitytlc.com.