The Door Community Child Development Center is located in Sturgeon Bay’s former childcare center, the Barker Child Development Center, which was shuttered in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and permanently closed at the beginning of July.
The quick reopening of Sturgeon Bay’s primary childcare facility is the result of weeks of hard work by the Barker Center’s former director, Alexis Fuller, and the combined efforts of Door County Medical Center and the Sturgeon Bay YMCA. The Door Community Child Development Center building, which is owned by the YMCA, will now be leased by Door County Medical Center.
“This opportunity is the result of Alexis’ many years of leadership in childcare programs working for the YMCA’s Barker Center program,” notes Door County Medical Center CEO Brian Stephens, adding, “But, this also couldn’t have been possible without the YMCA partnership on the lease of the building, as well as their very generous donation in equipment and supplies to ensure a successful opening and operation of the center.”
“Child Development Centers are so much more than babysitting; they are a safe haven for children to be themselves, have a sense of belonging, learn new skills, and grow lifelong friendships. They are a home away from home,” says Fuller. “The past few months without a childcare center in Sturgeon Bay have certainly created a void in the community. During a time when so much is unknown, and there is so much fear, when it’s difficult to hide these things from our children, they have not been able to go to their home away from home.”
“Parents,” Fuller points out, “should be able to have a career, and do what they love, without first calculating if it makes sense with the cost of childcare.”