Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/meet-cover-directors-sue-and-jon-jacka-bright-start-childrens-centers-st.-paul-minnesota/5009163/
From a high school home economics classroom transformed into an after school space with sinks, room for storage, work places, and muscle spaces; to a corner grocery converted to a child care center; to a Victorian home with warm woods and tall windows where babies live and play, there is a diversity to the child care spaces that are part of Bright Start. But they share a certain warmth, a thoughtful organization of space, and an atmosphere for living and working.As I toured the Bright Start centers with Sue and Jon Jacka, I was struck by their continuing delight in what they are creating. "People in child care - teachers, directors, managers - these are great people, and there are a lot of laughs. There are laughs every day." A tour becomes a search for delight. An obliging toddler turns the faucet on the play sink to wash the real shaving cream from his hands. An infant plays with Jon's face like a bowling ball. There is laughter, camaraderie.
Center directors express a strong sense of ownership and pride in their individual programs. One director is excited that inquiries have multiplied sharply and resulted ...