CCS Early Learning breaks ground to keep up with Wasilla’s growth

WASILLA — CCS Early Learning has a new facility under construction, adding to its head count of Head Start programs across the Valley. CCS staff, representatives of Mechanical Specialties, Inc. and Wasilla Mayor, Bert Cottle all gathered in front of the building in progress for a sidewalk ceremony on Monday. A number of CCS children christened the new facility by placing their small hands on the fresh cement, marking the occasion. With the foundation down and the framework up, the expected completion day should be during Christmas break, spring break at the latest.

Cottle said that 409 new residential houses sprang up this year. He said the new facility is a wonderful addition to Wasilla and will help its working residents by providing much-needed childcare and education.

“We’re still growing,” Cottle said. “People can’t go to work if there isn’t somewhere to drop off their kids.”

This building is located adjacent to the existing CCS facility in Wasilla, off the Parks Highway. When complete, it will stand at a total of 12,000 square feet with 8,000 square feet housinge the Early Head Start Program. The remaining space will be eventually leased out to whomever is interested. There will be a new outdoor playground and an indoor playground for when the cold closes in.

The existing facility nearby will run the Head Start Program. CCS Early Learning utilizes two federally based learning programs, Head Start (ages 3-5) and Early Head Start (age 3 and younger). Their services are free to eligible families; qualifications include, low income and homeless families, children in foster care, and children with disabilities.

Once operational, 16 existing Early Head Start children will transfer into the new facility and will enroll 32 new children, making a total of 48 children, which will be the set capacity. Many of the staff members rejoiced to have more room for the children and families to use.

“I’m super excited because we are going to have more space for family fun night,” said Christina Garcia, Home Visitor for CCS Early Learning Wasilla.

According to Garcia, Family Fun Night is a recurring event where children and their families all get together and participate in games, reading-related activities and workshops with the goal of socialization, or “family literacy.” The idea is that by participating in these events, the parents along with their children will learn how to better interact with their community, building social confidence and competency.

CCS Early Learning Program Director Pat Cockrell shared Garcia’s enthusiasm. Separating the two age groups will allow more elbow room and streamline the overall process.

“We’ve been squeezed into a small space for a while. I think it will run a lot smoother now,” Cockrell said.

Cockrell said he was looking forward to another positive outcome-14 new staff members. In their line of business, they are always trying to find new ways to make a difference in their student’s education and well-being. He said that new eyes equates to new solutions.

“Sometimes we get tunnel vision,” Cockrell said. “When you get more people, you get more points of view.”

Mechanical Specialties, Inc. owner Jeff Hatt said his partnership with CCS has been a good one. He worked hand-in-hand with their unique need when designing the building. At times he made suggestions they hadn’t even thought of. Each step of the way, he has been catering to the success of a safe place for kids to grow in.

“More rounded corners so there’s no sharp corners, things like that,” Hatt said.

According to Executive Director of CCS Early Learning, Mark Lackey, CCS wrote the grant last year and it was awarded this March. They entered the grant into a national competition and were awarded an Early Head Start Expansion Grant. He said it was a “very competitive grant.” Only 74 awards were given nationwide, and only two awards were made in the four-state region (Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon). According to the CCS fact sheet for the new facility, the annual amount of the expansion grant to CCS Early Learning will be $720,000.

This new building will be the fifth addition to the list of facilities across the Valley and in Chugiak. Lackey said the location was ideal; with the new facility right next to the other one, it will be a “one-stop-shop” for families.

“With this facility, we will be able to serve more families,” Lackey said.

Those interested in CCS services or families wishing to enroll their children can find more information at: www.ccsalaska.org.