Jumping Jax Kids grand opening set for next Saturday

For almost all of her life Kelli Jax has been in or around the world of childcare.
That’s why it’s fitting that she now owns her own childcare center in Hayfield.
Jax grew up in Hayfield and graduated from Hayfield High School. From there she attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth for two years and then transferred to Rochester Community and Technical College where she received her Associates Degree in Child Development. 
While attending college Jax worked at the SACC program and did her internships at Country Corner Preschool in Hayfield, and then worked with infants and toddlers at Knowledge Beginnings in Rochester for almost four years.  
Jax also grew up around the child care world as well.
“I grew up in an in-home family childcare as well, my mom did daycare in our home for over 20 years in Hayfield,” Jax said. 
After running her own-in-home daycare in town for the last 10 plus years, Jax realized that there is and continues to be a huge shortage of childcare across the state, including in Hayfield and decided to take on the adventure of opening her own childcare center. 
“Due to the shortage of child care in the area, I decided to take on the adventure of opening my own, family owned, child care center right here Hayfield” Jax said.
Knowing that it’s hard for any community to grow she knew that it would be a perfect opportunity for her and the community to have childcare center right in town for a number of different reasons.
“ It is really hard to get our community to grow when there is no child care available for families looking to move here.  Also, if you look at where Hayfield is located in reference to the communities around us, we are dead center between Rochester, Austin, Owatonna, Blooming, Dodge Center, and all the smaller towns,” Jax said. “It made sense to open one right here in town.  Plus, the center brings a dozen or more jobs to our community as well.
 
Jax explained that the child care center is a play-based program which means they learn by doing.
“Jumping Jax Kids is a play-based program, therefore much of our day is driven by the children’s choice of play.  All children will create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play daily. Children learn by doing.  Through active involvement with their environment, children attempt to make sense of the world around them.  They learn by exploring their environment through hands-on experience.  Play-based learning encourages exploration and discovery.  Children develop a sense of trust and belonging.  They feel important and valued when others listen to them, seek out their ideas, and allow them to express themselves,” Jax said.  “Children will be encouraged to discover things on their own.  The environment cherishes freedom and autonomy in children.  It is set up to engage children and help them become lifelong learners.   The children spend a lot of time outdoors learning.  They are also getting home-cooked meals daily.”
Jumping Jax Kids will be hosting a grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 
During the grand opening there will be a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. and a light lunch will be served. 
The daycare is  open 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, all year round.  They are currently licensed for 42 children ages six weeks to the start of kindergarten.  Jax said they can eventually add another 17 spots down the road as well.   
The daycare is located at 118 2nd Ave NW in Hayfield. For more information check out its website www.jumpingjaxkids.com.