Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this feature and took the three, pre-opening photographs.
The Early Years Academy, located at 508 French Creek Road (adjacent to Climco Coils in the Morrison Industrial Park), Morrison, IL, opened on Monday, March 1, 2021. After months of planning, preparation, and pandemic delays, this new daycare facility is welcomed in the community. A combination of efforts between Climco Coils and Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) made it a reality. Children ages six weeks-to eight years from the Morrison area will be eligible.
Jennifer Magnafici has eagerly anticipated the opening of The Early Years Academy. She is a 2001 graduate of Ashton[, IL,] High School. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Lewis University of Aurora, IL. Her recent employment included a four-year stint as a Mail Carrier in Morrison, before accepting the role of Director of Bright Beginnings of Dixon, IL. Her family includes husband Justin and a quartet of children: Sage (15), Griffin (12), Paisley (10), and Zachary (4.)
Director Magnafici extends a huge appreciation to the Selmon family for their offering of this opportunity and extends great thanks to the Morrison community for the sincere welcome extended to her and her staff.
She reported, “There were 34 children in attendance on the first day. There were 36 youngsters on day two,” March 2, with two [parents taking] tours. “There [possibly] will be 38 here tomorrow.”
The Early Years Academy will now be accepting a limited number of children part time. There are openings in Infants, Toddlers, and children two-through-five….The School Age program [is] for full-time and part-time enrollment.
“Please start to plan ahead, and reserve your child’s place for our Summer Fun program as well.”
The newly-constructed facility features classrooms and nursery areas, capable of housing and educating 75 children. Including Assistant Director Nikki Rice, Magnafici has 16 employees. She “will employ another two-to-five, when more children are enrolled,” during a two-shift-per-day schedule. Details are available on earlyyearsacademy.org.
The academy will offer all learning at one simple cost and accept only full-time attendance, in an effort to maximize the efficiency of the personnel and the use of the facilities. All registration fees include snacks and meals and will be governed by State of Illinois regulated programs. Children age two and over must wear a mask.
Magnafici invites interested parents to educate themselves about The Early Years Academy via Facebook and earlyyearsacademy.org.
A parent/guardian enters the building lobby, to drop-off and pick-up their child. Views below are classrooms and the nursery pictured before the facility opened.
These are Monday, March 1, Opening Day photos taken by The Early Years Academy personnel.
