Lincoln Littles has built their foundation on expanding high quality choices and supporting families to help elevate early childhood. This
year, their mission has led them to partner with 16 local early childhood providers to improve their quality. Kids Imagination Station is one local childcare that received a Quality Improvement Grant to give their center a much-needed renovation.
Gail, the owner/director of Kids Imagination Station, has worked in early childhood since 1975, dedicating her life to expanding quality care for children. In 2002, when she decided to open the childcare center on near 13th and South, she found a new way to fulfill her passion. Since then she and her staff have been offering care for children from 6 weeks to school age. Their early childhood services include care, curriculum learning, transportation, and meals.
After almost having to close in the Fall of 2023, Lincoln Littles took on this project to ensure that the children of Kids Imagination Station are able to continue growing in an environment based in love and care.
In this project Lincoln Littles provided funding to refresh the paint, carpets, furniture, equipment, and repairs to the roof. Overall, this helped to create a more renewed and lively environment for everyone.
Gail said, “This is a new beginning for Kids Imagination Station.”
However, while a solid foundation is important for the growth of children, the environment that adults are able to create for them is truly what creates the strongest foundation of future success.
Associate Director of Lincoln Littles, Suzanne said, “Lincoln Littles decided to help the Kids Imagination Station because they also believe strongly in the mission of creating an environment that radiates cheerfulness and makes the children excited to grow.”
Gail said that Kids Imagination Station strives to create a family environment, hoping to teach their children the important core values
that they will be able to practice and carry with them throughout their life.
Although there are many values they hope to teach the children that attend Kids Imagination Station, they hope that they leave with an understanding of the importance of learning, honesty, work ethic, fairness, and growth.
Gail said that Kids Imagination Station works on the understanding that “kids are the future”, and our future is only as bright as the start we are able to provide them.
While the childcare was under renovation, Gail said that the process was a mood lifter and has created, “a feeling of happiness and lightheartedness in the building.” She could hardly wait to see the completed change and the amazement that it would bring to her teachers and families.
As Lincoln Littles’ mission is to help elevate early childhood they showed passion through every aspect of this project. From coordinating the details, assisting with funding, to helping on the big delivery day; Lincoln Littles has played an enthusiastic and integral role throughout this whole process.
Gail said, “I feel so lucky that Lincoln Littles saw the need that our children deserved to spend their day in a cheerful learning environment.”
With the help of Lincoln Littles, Kids Imagination Station has been given a second life and more time to continue making a positive impact in their community. Helping Gail and her staff members facilitate their main goal in childcare, ensuring love and care for every deserving child.