For 54 years now, Happy Time Day Care Center has been helping families in the Northland
Happy Time Day Care Center opened in 1969, when more women were starting to get into the workplace.
Nancy Thomas, the retired director and now administrator, told us, “My mom, Delores Anderson, secured a $4,000 loan and a grant from the Ordean Foundation for about $4,000. And she bought some toys and some equipment and some art supplies. And with a lot of hard work, she opened Happy Time with nine children.”
Fast forward to now, Happy Time just celebrated 54 years in business, and believe they are the longest serving family-owned center in the Northland.
Thomas added, “It is emotional. We are very proud. Our roots run deep, and we’ve touched the lives of many, many people in this area.”
Her daughter, Kallie, is now the director. “I came here as an infant. And so did my brother. Now I’ve been here almost 10 years.”
Kallie added, “Kids are so special. We try to find their individualities and what makes them special, what makes them learn and get curious and everything and what their interests are.
They still believe progress could be made in the value placed on child care centers.
A roof problem lead to a relocation temporarily, but they plan on being back at their original location after the holidays.