Cooperation Station in Grand Marais Reopens with a New, More Sustainable Model
Jan 03, 2024 11:14AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 3, 2024
Cooperation Station Nature Playschool in Grand Marais reopened its doors in November 2023 with a renewed focus after closing in October of the same year. The local non-profit has undergone a strategic shift to better serve young children, with a particular emphasis on those not yet potty-trained.
Mackenzie Young, Director and Head Provider at Cooperation Station, told Boreal Community Media, "With the school offering preschool options for older, potty-trained kids, our goal is now to focus on younger kids or kids not yet potty trained."
Other changes are in place as well. The previous model was found to be unsustainable after the then executive director put in their notice, and the parents of children attending were filling in to complete necessary tasks. "The families on the board were essentially working part-time fulfilling Cooperation Station duties on top of their full-time job and parenting," Young shared. The staff didn't feel that they had the necessary resources to continue caring for the children. As a result, the board determined it was best to close the care center to revamp the model.
According to a press release issued by the Cooperation Station board in October 2023, the organization was working closely with community entities such as the Small Business Development Center, the Childcare Coordinator at Cook County Public Health and Human Services, and First Children's Finance to redevelop a more sustainable model.
Since its reopening, Cooperation Station is operating similarly to other childcare centers in the area with one head provider who is responsible for the entire program. Because the childcare license is operating under the organization, if that head provider leaves, Cooperation Station can continue to continue under a new one.
The center currently can take in up to ten children; two infants (under one year), one toddler (between one and two years), five preschool (between two and five years), and two school-age kids. As they adjust to the new focus, the team hopes to expand capacity further.
As of the time of this publishing, open spots include a part-time spot for an infant (under one year) and a part-time spot for a preschooler (between two and five years).
If you are interested in learning more about Cooperation Station, Young says, "We are essentially a new program, so reach out if you have questions or are looking for care. I would love to meet with you, give you a tour, and go over what you can expect from our program in more detail." You can reach her at: [email protected]
