Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
NEW CHILDCARE PROVIDERS — Amanda Crane, left, and Lacey Clark opened County Kidz Childcare at 6 Grove St. in Houlton. To check for available spots call 694-4504 (Clark) or 694-3400 (Crane).
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — There is always a need for a good daycare provider and on Monday, a new one opened up in town at 6 Grove St.
County Kidz Childcare is operated by friends and neighbors, Lacey Clark and Amanda Crane. It is a fully licensed Child Care Center by the state of Maine.
Both owners have college degrees, with Clark holding a medical assistant certification from Northern Maine Community College (NMCC), as well as her Certified Nursing Aide certification, while Crane has her early childhood education certification from NMCC, as well as a behavioral health certification, along with infant and toddler credentials. She has just finished her associate’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Maine Augusta.
Both Clark and Crane are certified in CPR and first aid training.
Clark, who is leaving Houlton Regional Hospital’s obstetric/ gynecology unit as a medical assistant, has worked in the childcare field for three years, while Crane has six years of experience. Both ladies wanted to strike out on their own and have a love for children.
“This is what I have always wanted to do,” said Crane. “And, there is such a great need. Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I am so happy to be able to have the opportunity to start working with children and their families.”
Clark agreed.
“I have always dreamed of having a daycare someday down the road,” she said. “When Amanda and I began to talk about operating a childcare, it just seemed like the perfect time.”
County Kidz Childcare is open Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. for infants six weeks of age to children 12 years old.
“I am really excited to start our new adventure,” said Crane. “Lacey and I have put so much hard work into making County Kidz Childcare grow from just being a dream to becoming a reality over the last several months. We are so grateful for all the support that we have received through the whole process.”
“We cannot believe how fast our spots were filled,” said Clark.
County Kidz is able to serve 12 children, six under the age of 2 and six over the age of 2. The daycare has one more opening for a toddler. To learn more about County Kidz Childcare or to check for availability call Clark at 694-4504 or Crane at 694-3400.
“Our daycare is committed to providing your child with quality care,” Crane added. “We will encourage each child to express themselves through laughter, art, music and physical activities.”
“Our goal is that your child will be in a safe, healthy, nuturing learning environment,” added Clark. “We will have a daily schedule where we will be doing activities that are developmentally appropriate and at the interest of the child.”
“I am very excited to not only do something that Amanda and I both enjoy, but to be able to help the community in providing quality childcare,” Clark said.
