Agency History
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Our History
Rebranded as
Little Learners in 2024.
Clay County Child Care Center, Inc. (CCCCC, Inc.), established in 1972, has been a cornerstone for childcare and early education in Clay County and beyond.
History
- Founded in 1972 as CCCCC, Inc.
- First Head Start launched in 1991.
- Expanded services across five Kansas counties.
- Introduced literacy program for parents.
- Opened Dreams Unlimited parent center.
- Daycare center closed in 2021.
- Rebranded as Little Learners in 2024.
- Serving diverse families in Kansas communities.
Our story
Beginning
Starting as a daycare in two Sunday School rooms at the Clay Center Presbyterian Church, CCCCC, Inc. has grown significantly over the years to become the parent organization for Head Start programs in the region.
The first Head Start site was launched in 1991. Since then, the organization has expanded to sponsor multiple Head Start and Early Head Start programs, serving families across Clay, Cloud, Geary, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington Counties.
Continued
Growth
The organization’s growth resulted in the opening of new Head Start sites across several counties, the launch of a literacy initiative which provided computers for parents to use, and the establishment of Dreams Unlimited—a parent specific center.
In 1997, CCCCC, Inc. was awarded a state grant to develop an Early Head Start program, which began in multiple counties the following year.
Today
Rebranding
Despite the closure of the daycare center in July 2021, CCCCC, Inc. continues to uphold its legal identity for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, maintaining its dedication to supporting the development and growth of children and families in its service area.
In April 2024, CCCCC, Inc., embarked on an exciting new journey, unveiling its fresh identity as Little Learners Childhood Connections. This rebranding marks the beginning of a new chapter, and reflects their commitment to early childhood education and community support by adapting and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of families in Kansas.
The Mission
Enriching the lives we touch.
Program Services
Head Start programs support a child's growth from birth to age 5 through a variety of services, including early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Little Learners Childhood Connections’ Head Start preschools serve families with children ages 3 to 5. Little Learners Childhood Connections’ Early Head Start programs serve families with children ages birth to 3, and expectant families. The program helps children get ready to succeed in school and life through learning experiences tailored to their current needs and abilities. Our program serves families from diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.
Who Qualifies?
Expectant families and children from birth to age five who are from families with incomes below the federal poverty guidelines. Families receiving SSI, SNAP, cash assistance/TANF, families with foster children, and families experiencing homelessness (including those whose housing is not fixed, regular, or adequate, regardless of the family’s income).
Early Learning & Development
● We build strong relationships as the foundation of early learning.
● We support learning through play, creative expression, and guided activities using the Frog Street curriculum.
● We support children’s social and emotional development.
● We promote early math and science concepts.
● We promote language and literacy development in children’s home languages and in English.
Program Services
● We promote physical health and development.
● We serve breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks.
● We provide medical, dental, hearing, vision, and behavioral screening.
Family Partnering
● We provide parent and family services.
● We help families find assistance in challenging times.
● We help families identify and reach their goals; including those related to housing, employment, education, and parenting.
● We invite parents to share information and insights about their child and to offer experience feedback about our programs.
Disability & Mental Health Services
● We individualize experiences to meet the needs of each child, and we build on a child's unique strengths.
● We collaborate with parents and community agencies when further assessment is needed.
● We help families understand and support their child’s needs.