Lil Lynx Daycare preparing to fill local need

It's been a busy time for Emilee Rivera as she gets things in place to open a much-needed daycare service in Lincoln.

Rivera has been purchasing and assembling items, getting student packets together and working through the licensing procedures for Lil Lynx Daycare, all while caring for her own children.

Rivera, who grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School in 2010, returned home last October when her husband, Robert assumed the post of Lincoln's resident Deputy. Prior to moving back to Lincoln, she and her husband resided in Shelby, where she was state certified for in-home childcare. She worked for Youth Dynamics for three years and part of her job included supervised visits with children and families. She and Robert were also foster parents and provided respite care for other foster families. Additionally, Rivera worked as a substitute teacher at the school, while Robert was a DARE Officer and School Resource Officer.

Rivera said they have a strong desire to help whatever community they live in, and one of their goals in moving to Lincoln was to be of service to the community and its youth.

With the previous daycare closing, Rivera saw a need in the community for opening a new daycare. She and her sister Laree Siloti, who wanted to be able to stay home with her new baby, thought it would be a good idea to "team up." From there, things just seemed to move along accordingly.

Like the Riveras, Marshall Visger, the new pastor of the Lincoln Baptist church, also has a strong desire to be of service to the Lincoln community. He had thought of having a daycare at the church. Once he and Rivera began putting their heads together about the endeavor, everything seemed to fall into place.

Rivera and Visger had a lot of help as this idea came to life. Diana Jacobs, who had a daycare previously in Lincoln, has been a huge resource. Rivera purchased a lot of her equipment for the new daycare from her. They have also had help from a daycare in Ronan with CPR and first aid training.

One of the other things that enabled them to move forward with their plans were grants from the United Way and from Lewis & Clark County. They overcame what could have been a snag due to the way the grants are awarded - purchase first and then be reimbursed for expenses – with help from a donor who came through with the initial funds and will be reimbursed as the grant money is received.

The donation enabled them to purchase safety equipment, play equipment, picnic tables, office equipment and toys that help teach and improve both fine and gross motor skills. Rivera said it would have otherwise been difficult for her and her family to provide the cash needed up front to get everything going. She said they continue to welcome monetary donations to help to provide other items for students as well as building their curriculum for pre-school next year.

Rivera has also been working on the licensing process for the daycare. They are expecting to have their inspection any day and are hopeful they will have their provisional license in place by Labor Day.

"I want to take slow, right steps, in order to make it go well and be successful," Rivera says. "But I'm always looking forward. This is just the beginning and my hopes are to grow the childcare as it's needed to have plenty of room for all kids in Lincoln who need care."

To start, Rivera and Siloti will staff the daycare, and Robert will act as a substitute when needed. Once they are licensed, Rivera said they will be looking to hire two or three additional substitutes as well. She also sees volunteers being able to help with special skills and crafting days, but notes any individuals wanting to assist with these types of things will need to go through a background and fingerprint check. This ensures the daycare is following state guidelines, while also ensuring the safety of the children in their care.

To start, they will be open Monday thru Saturday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will be able to accommodate 12 children from 0-12 years of age. They will also be able to provide "overlap" care for four additional students before and after school, from 7 to 8 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m Monday through Thursday, and Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m.

Student packets are available by contacting Rivera directly by phone at 406-470-0622, by email at [email protected], by visiting their Facebook page at "lil lynx childcare," or if you see Rivera at the church, stop in and say hello.

An open house for the daycare is being planned for people to see the facility and will be combined with one of the church dinner or dessert functions. The date and time are still being determined.