Local life just got a little bit sweeter for young families in Parker and the surrounding area. Em’s Eastside Explorers has expanded, moving into a new facility, and Director Emily Korthals couldn’t be happier to provide a spacious, safe environment for children to learn and grow.

A key element to Community Development and ensuring a community can thrive is to enhance its quality of life. Young families without local child care are left scrambling and driving extra miles to find the right environment to take care of their most precious asset, their children. The US as a whole is in a child care crisis of sorts, with legislators and community leaders coming together to find and propose ideas. At the end of the day, however, it takes an individual who loves children to take a solution and make it successful.

Parker Development Corporation has been discussing the need for more child care for some time and the impact it would have on the community. The Corp’s President, Curt Lukes, shared “The Development Corp is excited about this new addition to the community. It will be a great asset, drawing in younger families and giving them a place to help raise their kids here in Parker.” Lukes knew of Emily’s in-home daycare and through a few conversations, the idea of a center blossomed.

Emily shared with the SEFP Facilitator, Heather Broehm, that she “needed to expand from my in-home for so many reasons- mainly because we outgrew it. And I had a waiting list. As these kids grow, they need more room than my house can provide, especially during the winter! The future of the center is so big, full of change and opportunities. I see us growing, but I want to grow gradually into the center and ease every child and staff member into it!”

The 2,887-square-foot facility will be able to eventually care for 80 children. There are individual rooms for the various age groups where they will have age-appropriate toys and tools to help them grow. Em’s Eastside Explorers is a state-certified center and will ensure that childcare ratios are followed so the children in their care will have the attention and support they need to thrive.

“Em’s offers a safe environment to love, learn and grow – for each child to do so at their own pace! We are offering the community more childcare options and more employment opportunities. And I only hope each child loves our center as much as I do!”

For more information about Em’s Eastside Explorers, you can follow them on their Facebook page or contact Emily directly.

Em's Eastside Explorers

Emily, Owner and Director of Em’s Eastside Explorers, is presented with her 1st Dollar Certificate during her Openhouse/Ribbon Cutting

 

McDugle Paints his way to business ownership

Dreams can become a reality through hard work over time. However, some dreams don’t even surface until we get into the thick of life and work. Issac McDugle did not think about business ownership until others empowered and encouraged him. “If you were to say this is...

Longtime Area Disposal Service Company under new ownership

Addy Disposal, out of Canistota, has gone through a lot in the last several months. Aside from working tirelessly and braving the elements to take care of the area’s rural and community garbage and recycling needs through this record-breaking winter, the company has...

From Ultrasound to Grooming- Vanessa’s Story

Businesses start for a variety of reasons. Some entrepreneurs have ambitions to build and scale enterprises beyond their wildest dreams. Some have a desire to simply do something they excel at and be their own boss. While others desire something more for their...

2023 Regional Career Fair

It is said that most high school students do not know what they want to do after graduation. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the rate in which high school graduates are enrolling in college immediately after high school has been...

SOLD! Local Livestock Auction has new ownership.

If you have visited the Menno Livestock Auction in the last month, you may have noticed a few changes. As of the beginning of the year, Matt and Marie Mehlhaf of Menno have purchased Menno Livestock Auction. Matt is a familiar face around the auction, being involved...

New Dynamic business serving South Dakota

The Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) is excited to introduce a new business in Turner County.  Turner County residents and entrepreneurs Justin and Catrina Walsh have started 605 Dynamic Ink LLC. This local and Veteran-owned business is on a mission to...

AL’S CAFÉ IS A SMASHING SUCCESS

Every town needs a café. A place where you can unwind after a long day. A table you don’t have to set or clear. A meal you do not have to prepare. Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) is happy to welcome such an environment to downtown Marion.  Alex...

Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge is ready for your event!

The city of Parker can now boast of its newest business addition, Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge. Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge is a brand new, local venue that will host weddings, as well as private and public events. A few years ago, local business owners Robb &...

Local invents New Ladder Safety Technology

The Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) is pleased to introduce a new business in Salem, SD.  Longtime Salem resident and former council member Ben Johnson, and his son Chad Johnson, have found themselves in a new industry with a mission to save lives. As...

Call Now Button