VIENNA, IL — Arrowleaf is excited to announce plans to renovate its property located at 101 Oliver Street in Vienna, Illinois, into a new child care center called Little Leaves Learning Center.
The proposed center represents a long-envisioned dream for the organization and its leadership, as Arrowleaf has explored child care expansion opportunities in the community on multiple occasions over the years. Following renewed conversations with community members, families, educators, and local partners, Arrowleaf has formally begun moving forward with planning efforts for the project. The organization’s goal is to open Little Leaves Learning Center within the next year, if not sooner, pending renovations, licensing, and regulatory approvals.
“This is truly a dream come true for me personally,” said Sherrie L. Crabb, Chief Executive Officer of Arrowleaf. “Child care access is one of the greatest needs facing working families and employers in our region. We believe Little Leaves Learning Center can become a place where children are nurtured, families are supported, and early learning opportunities help shape the future of our communities.” Current plans for Little Leaves Learning Center include serving children ranging from infants and toddlers through preschool and school-age programming, depending upon final licensing approvals and renovation phases. Arrowleaf anticipates the center will provide a structured early learning environment focused on education, social development, creativity, and school readiness while also supporting the needs of working
families in the region. Arrowleaf’s long-standing experience serving individuals with mental health needs, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health conditions throughout Southern Illinois will help shape the philosophy of the center. Leadership believes this experience creates a strong foundation for developing trauma- informed, inclusive, and supportive approaches to early childhood care and education. In addition to providing child care services, Arrowleaf hopes to create a center that helps connect families with
additional community resources and supports when needed, recognizing that strong family systems play a vital role in healthy child development. Arrowleaf is also exploring the incorporation of Montessori-inspired themes and programming elements into
portions of the learning environment to encourage independence, creativity, hands-on learning, and child-led exploration. While the organization is not currently pursuing formal Montessori certification, leadership believes these educational concepts align closely with the vision for the center. Arrowleaf has already begun working collaboratively with Vienna High School regarding opportunities connected to early childhood education and workforce development. Discussions have also been underway with the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency as well as the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services regarding licensing
requirements and next steps for development of the center.
The proposed center represents a long-envisioned dream for the organization and its leadership, as Arrowleaf has explored child care expansion opportunities in the community on multiple occasions over the years. Following renewed conversations with community members, families, educators, and local partners, Arrowleaf has formally begun moving forward with planning efforts for the project. The organization’s goal is to open Little Leaves Learning Center within the next year, if not sooner, pending renovations, licensing, and regulatory approvals.
“This is truly a dream come true for me personally,” said Sherrie L. Crabb, Chief Executive Officer of Arrowleaf. “Child care access is one of the greatest needs facing working families and employers in our region. We believe Little Leaves Learning Center can become a place where children are nurtured, families are supported, and early learning opportunities help shape the future of our communities.” Current plans for Little Leaves Learning Center include serving children ranging from infants and toddlers through preschool and school-age programming, depending upon final licensing approvals and renovation phases. Arrowleaf anticipates the center will provide a structured early learning environment focused on education, social development, creativity, and school readiness while also supporting the needs of working
families in the region. Arrowleaf’s long-standing experience serving individuals with mental health needs, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health conditions throughout Southern Illinois will help shape the philosophy of the center. Leadership believes this experience creates a strong foundation for developing trauma- informed, inclusive, and supportive approaches to early childhood care and education. In addition to providing child care services, Arrowleaf hopes to create a center that helps connect families with
additional community resources and supports when needed, recognizing that strong family systems play a vital role in healthy child development. Arrowleaf is also exploring the incorporation of Montessori-inspired themes and programming elements into
portions of the learning environment to encourage independence, creativity, hands-on learning, and child-led exploration. While the organization is not currently pursuing formal Montessori certification, leadership believes these educational concepts align closely with the vision for the center. Arrowleaf has already begun working collaboratively with Vienna High School regarding opportunities connected to early childhood education and workforce development. Discussions have also been underway with the local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency as well as the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services regarding licensing
requirements and next steps for development of the center.
Community survey feedback previously collected by Arrowleaf further demonstrated the significant demand for additional child care services in the Vienna area and surrounding communities. Survey participants identified several ongoing barriers for families, including limited infant and toddler openings, lack of before- and after- school care options, challenges finding care during standard working hours, and long waitlists for existing
providers. Many respondents also expressed concerns that child care shortages have negatively impacted workforce participation and family stability within the community.
The survey results also highlighted strong community interest in a locally based child care option that emphasizes safety, educational development, affordability, and strong communication with parents and guardians.
Arrowleaf also announced that Christie Rodgers will serve as the Director of Little Leaves Learning Center and will help guide the project’s planning, development, and future operations.
The organization anticipates the future center could create approximately 15 to 20 new jobs in Vienna through teaching, child care support, food service, administration, transportation, and facility-related positions as the program grows.
The planned renovations will focus on creating a safe, welcoming, and educational environment for children
while maintaining strong connections to Arrowleaf’s mission of strengthening Southern Illinois communities through opportunity, support, and innovation.
Updates regarding renovations, project milestones, enrollment information, and community involvement opportunities will be shared through Arrowleaf’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. A new Facebook Group dedicated specifically to Little Leaves Learning Center is also being launched to help families and community members follow the project’s progress. For additional information about Arrowleaf and Little Leaves Learning Center, visit Arrowleaf’s Website or follow Arrowleaf on social media.
providers. Many respondents also expressed concerns that child care shortages have negatively impacted workforce participation and family stability within the community.
The survey results also highlighted strong community interest in a locally based child care option that emphasizes safety, educational development, affordability, and strong communication with parents and guardians.
Arrowleaf also announced that Christie Rodgers will serve as the Director of Little Leaves Learning Center and will help guide the project’s planning, development, and future operations.
The organization anticipates the future center could create approximately 15 to 20 new jobs in Vienna through teaching, child care support, food service, administration, transportation, and facility-related positions as the program grows.
The planned renovations will focus on creating a safe, welcoming, and educational environment for children
while maintaining strong connections to Arrowleaf’s mission of strengthening Southern Illinois communities through opportunity, support, and innovation.
Updates regarding renovations, project milestones, enrollment information, and community involvement opportunities will be shared through Arrowleaf’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. A new Facebook Group dedicated specifically to Little Leaves Learning Center is also being launched to help families and community members follow the project’s progress. For additional information about Arrowleaf and Little Leaves Learning Center, visit Arrowleaf’s Website or follow Arrowleaf on social media.