New Childcare Center Opening in Devils Lake!

When Kathryn Fowler set her sights on opening a childcare center in Devils Lake, her idea was anchored by a desire to make a positive impact on the next generation.

Her mission? Go above and beyond to ensure every child that enters the doors of The Learning Pond will be successful. Educating them, sure, but also weaving in life skills like patience, kindness and respect, all designed to push, encourage and assist kids to do their best and reach their full potential.

“There is a huge need for childcare so I am hoping this business will not only help with the childcare need but also offer job opportunities,” said Fowler, who owns and operates another childcare facility out of Minot and has been in the daycare business since 2006. 

Creating a Home-Like Environment

When it opens, The Learning Pond plans to be licensed to accommodate 65 kiddos aged 0-12 years of age.

“We will open with five classrooms; One infant classroom, one toddler classroom, one three and four year old classroom, one five year old classroom with potential for school agers before and after school, and one specifically for preschool curriculum,” said Fowler.

Her initial goal is to employ a staff of twelve. All of those numbers, from classrooms to caregivers, are intentional.

“We would like to keep group sizes small to keep the home-like environment and a more family feel,” said Fowler. “To ensure that, we would employ staff at a competitive rate and push to always be better. Embrace change if need be and evolve with the childcare field.”

Also a top priority? Making sure all staff are adhering to and trained on various childcare codes and laws.

A Measure of Success

The Learning Pond will operate in what used to be known as Felix’s, Kings Castle, at 215 Highway 2 West, Devils Lake. The building has been beautifully renovated and set up specifically for childcare.

“We were able to lend The Learning Pond $10,000 for start-up costs,” said Devils Lake Economic Development office executive director Brady Ash.  

That financial assistance helped cover the cost of things like sensory tables, light tables, magnetic boards, strollers, a laminator, curriculum, all items to prepare those curricula, as well as supplies and toys for each individual room.

“The first five years of a child’s life is when they learn the most,” said Fowler. “Our success will be measured by the skills those children learn and take with them as they leave our program for kindergarten.”

For more information about The Learning Pond, please contact Kathryn Fowler directly at 
the_learning_pond@yahoo.com or 701-720-4250.