Unit 40 Acquisition of Little Lambs Nearing Completion

(ANDREW JOHNSON AND CARLA HOLTZ)

The doors to Little Lambs Early Childhood Center officially closed June 29 after 12 years at their South Raney Street location. With the official signing of documents, the transition to Little Hearts Early Childhood Center begins.

The center will stay closed for training until its official grand opening on Monday, July 10th under the ownership of Effingham Unit 40 Schools. Former owner of Little Lambs Carla Holtz explained, “When the center reopens, everyone can expect the same price, the same times, the same teachers, but with new forms.”

Superintendent of Effingham Unit 40 Schools Andrew Johnson feels the acquisition of Little Lambs and the opening of Little Hearts will be a key in efforts to recruit and retain his staff, which is hard to do in any industry. Johnson said, “When I first started at this district a year ago, the same two issues kept coming to the surface: School Resource Officers and daycare.” He knew acquiring the center wouldn’t be easy, but he believes in the promise that it’ll be worth it. He said, “This facility will be investing in our youth and ultimately our community by giving kids the opportunity for earlier education.”

Jennifer Fox, Director of Early Childhood Education at Unit 40 Schools, has been integral to the transition process since its earliest stages. Fox said, “We are incredibly blessed to acquire Little Lambs Early Childhood Center and build upon the strong foundation that Carla and her team have established. We welcome this opportunity to support the Unit 40 staff and help them secure childcare and preschool so that we can assist them not only professionally but personally. We will continue to support the needs of the community by providing care and education for our community’s most valuable asset - our little people and future!”