Our Shepherd Lutheran Childcare Opens Expanded Facility with Rooms for New Oakland County Families and Added Employment Opportunities

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Our Shepherd Lutheran Childcare opens new expansion now offering childcare services six weeks to 6 years at two campuses.

Over the past few years, Our Shepherd Lutheran Childcare has experienced significant growth in enrollment despite the many challenges facing childcare centers.  This week, growth continues with the opening of a new campus located at the Church facility on 14 mile road in Birmingham, Michigan.

Growth during this challenging time has not been easy.  In recent years, the challenges facing childcare centers have been significant.  New licensing rules have been introduced that increase the quality of facilities, caregivers and programs but also add cost and complexity to the center.  In addition, the recession has hurt the demand for various childcare centers while debate regarding state funding for early childhood continues.  These issues together have driven other centers to close or change their operations.  Yet, despite these challenges, the leadership and congregation of Our Shepherd Lutheran had faith and continued to press forward and invest in its Christian based childcare center.  Reverend Carl Gnewuch has always been confident:  "We have been blessed with a quality team, giving members and wonderful families who recognize the values and benefits of Our Shepherd Lutheran.  We will continue to focus on education and loving care for the families and youth in our community."

It worked.  By the end of 2009, the center reached capacity, preliminary expansion of the infant program began and plans were made to add even more rooms.  This would open up additional capacity for families in the area, and provide significant job opportunities in education and childcare environments.  

Program Director Polly Fisher believes the hard work and effort have paid off:  " We have been blessed by a support structure and team that has worked tirelessly to be the best childcare center in the area.  We have wonderful families and we love our children!  I believe our high standards and Christian-based environment will continue to allow us to care for more children in the future."  

Today, Our Shepherd Lutheran Childcare cares for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years with excellent, updated facilities.  It employs over 35 quality team members and is looking to hire additional staff throughout 2010.  The center enjoys a strong reputation that cares for a child's faith, body and mind through strong enrichment programs, Christian-based activities and spacious facilities.  Another benefit is the transition opportunities into the day school.  Our Shepherd also offers a premium Day School experience for grades Preschool through 8th grade allowing families to have a singular, consistent experience from infancy through 8th grade.

Information regarding Our Shepherd Lutheran can be found by visiting www.ourshepherd.net or by contacting the following:  

For Childcare Information, Contact Polly Fisher – Director - 248.645.5273

For Church Information, Contact Church Office - 248.646.6100

For Day School Information, Contact Laurie Dopke – Admissions Counselor - 248.645.0551

SOURCE Our Shepherd Lutheran Childcare