November 12, 2024 – Children First Development Center, Inc. and Door Community Child Development Center, Inc. announced they are merging on December 1, 2024. These two independent Door County childcare centers currently provide high standards of development and learning for children, from newborns to four-year-olds, and are combining into the newly formed Doorway to Learning, Inc.
The Door County Community Foundation is collecting contributions for Doorway to Learning, Inc. through the Childcare Centers Assistance Fund until they able to put their own donation system in place.
This merger was necessary to keep both centers from closing due to their financial challenges. By combining resources, expertise and staff, it creates a unified organization that promotes the highest standards of child development and learning. Following the merger, Doorway to Learning, Inc. will only strengthen the commitment to providing a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for all children.
Jim Schiefelbein will serve as Interim Executive Director of Doorway to Learning, Inc. during the search for new, long-term leader. An expert in integrating operations, Jim provides a fresh look at serving local families in a cost-efficient way, ensuring a seamless transition with consolidation targeted for December 9, 2024. Operations will be combined initially at the Gordon Road facility in Sturgeon Bay. The Egg Harbor Road facility in Sturgeon Bay will close temporarily but the Board anticipates reopening it as future childcare needs warrant. The merger’s economies of scale will allow the newly formed Doorway to Learning, Inc. to continue to provide the best care for children, while remaining sustainable for the future.
Devin Vandertie, Board President of Doorway to Learning Inc., said, “Our combined teams will work collaboratively to ensure a seamless transition and continued commitment to excellence.”
Once integrated, their plan is to conduct fundraising efforts that will allow the newly consolidated organization to offer additional enrichment experiences and enhance the quality care our families deserve. The Board also understands that childcare can be a huge financial burden and another long-term goal with fundraising is to subsidize a portion of the tuition for families in need. You can give online to the consolidated center through the Community Foundation’s Childcare Centers Assistance Fund.
The Door County Community Foundation was instrumental in forging the alliance. It’s President & CEO Bret Bicoy said, “Finally, sustainable, high-quality childcare in Sturgeon Bay can become a reality. I hope Door County’s generous community supports this critical element of stabilizing our workforce.”
The combined teams will work collaboratively to ensure a seamless transition and continued commitment to excellence. The Board expresses its appreciation and support of the families, teachers, and the community during this exciting transition. Doorway to Learning, Inc. is grateful for the continued opportunity to teach and watch the future leaders of tomorrow bloom into their extraordinary selves.
Make a contribution to support childcare in Door County!
The Door County Community Foundation is playing a leading role helping ensure that sustainable childcare is available to working families in Door County. Please consider giving to either of these two very worthy efforts:
Doorway to Learning, Inc. primarily serves the southern half of Door County. Please consider making a gift online or send a contribution to Doorway to Learning, Inc., c/o Door County Community Foundation, Inc., 222 N. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.
Northern Door Children’s Center primarily serves the northern half of Door County. To learn more about their campaign to expand childcare availability in their Sister Bay facility, visit www.EssentialDoorCounty.org.
