The Children’s Center board of directors announced this week the selection of Amy McGinn of Jefferson as the new director of The Children’s Center, formerly Greene County Early Learning Center.
Set to start in early November, McGinn has been an early childhood educator and advocate for more than 20 years with experience in teaching infants to adults, providing teacher training, and teaching early childhood classes at a community college.
McGinn earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and elementary education from Morningside University and a master’s degree in education, early childhood focus, from University of Northern Iowa.
“I feel honored to be chosen to carry on Cherie’s legacy at The Children’s Center,” said McGinn. “I look forward to working with the staff, board, and families as we ensure the high quality of care doesn’t waver during the transition. Early childhood has always been my focus; my goal is to continue moving up the Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K) rating system and see the finishing touch playground become a reality!”
McGinn (pictured, right) succeeds Cherie Cerveny of Jefferson (pictured, left) as director. Cerveny will be the Head Start center supervisor for Calhoun, Greene, Guthrie and Sac counties. Cerveny has led the center for 17 years and started there on its opening day in 2005. Under her leadership, the center achieved Star Four ratings and successfully transitioned to the new IQ4K quality system enacted by the state.
In September 2022, The Children’s Center opened its new building at 306 S. Vine St in Jefferson. During the process, Cerveny had worked with the board, building and fundraising committees, businesses and community stakeholders, architects, contractors, staff, families and others to move the project forward. In addition, she was the author of numerous grants to garner funds for the building’s completion.
“The facility is a once in a generation project but the impact to early childhood development will resonant even farther into the future,” Cerveny said. “Research tells us that 90 percent of brain development occurs in the first five years of life. Quality childcare is so important because it supports this development. The Children’s Center strives to continually increase learning opportunities in a place designed for children by using developmentally appropriate practices.”
Persons who want more information about The Children’s Center, call 515-386-2092 or email at info@thechildrenscenter50129.com.
