King’s Kids Christian Child Care, located at the First Baptist Church at 408 Pleasant St. in Manlius, has been serving the needs of families with a variety of child care programs for school-aged kids for the past 30 years.
“We’re proud of the fact that we’ve been able to keep it open for so long, not many businesses can say that,” said Marjorie Edwards, director of the program. “It’s a needed service in the area and as long as parents bring their kids, we’ll stay open.”
King’s Kids provides before and after school care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as programs during the summer, snow days and school breaks.
Children who attend Kings Kids have a playground, gym, field trips and many other activities available to keep them occupied, said Edwards. Over the years, many volunteers have offered their skills in crafts, activities and tutoring for the children.
Reaching this 30 year milestone doesn’t come without celebration. From noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, King’s Kids will host a 30-year celebration with food, fun and games in the parking lot at the center on 408 Pleasant St. in Manlius. The public is invited to attend and kids, staff and families who have been involved during the three decades are encouraged to come, said Edwards.
In 1985, Manlius resident Millie Skinner was providing child care in her home for several families in the area. After speaking with the First Baptist Church, she was able to move the child care center to the church, and the program has grown since then.
“A lot of people don’t realize there are a lot of dual-income families in the area that can’t be there when their child gets home from school,” said Edwards, who has been with King’s Kids for 24 years. “We’re here to fill that need.”
Attendance to King’s Kids varies throughout the year, said Edwards, but typically about 30 children will be involved in the program. There are eight part-time employees who work for King’s Kids, as well as many volunteers.
Edwards added that although King’s Kids is a separate entity from the First Baptist Church, their partnership and has been beneficial for the program throughout the years.
To learn more about King’s Kids Christian Child Care, or to find out more about the Sept. 20 celebration, contact Marjorie Edwards at 682-5034 or like their Facebook page — King’s Kids Christian Child Care.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].