COTTAGE GROVE – Tip Tap Grow, a performing arts preschool based in Eugene, is expanding services to a second location in Cottage Grove’s First Presbyterian Church. The preschool had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house last Friday, where folks could tour the space and meet instructors.
The church at 216 S. 3rd Street has a history of hosting childcare services. Reverend Karen Hill said the Family Relief Nursery, which provides therapeutic early childhood programs, parent education, home visiting, and respite care, actually got its start at the church.
“We’ve been working on this for months,” Drea Smith, co-owner and director of TTG, said, adding that the process started last June.
“The church has been working on it for years,” she said.
During the ceremony, Hill gave a speech explaining the need for childcare services in Cottage Grove.
“The church has missed having young children in the building. During COVID-19, when things got very real, Cottage Grove residents were on social media every day, pleading for help with child care. Families had so few local options for their children. The church paid attention. This is when we learned that Cottage Grove is considered a childcare desert,” Hill said. “After COVID, we got serious about searching for a preschool partner. We had inquiries from multiple possible partners and serious discussions with a few, but nothing worked out. We wanted a partner that aligned with the church’s mission and our values.”
She explained that funds were raised through grants from various sources, and donations from individuals and the church’s budget. This expansion is also funded in part by PeaceHealth, as part of a landmark partnership with Onward Eugene, which serves as the fiscal sponsor.
“Somewhere in there, Tip Tap Grow was recommended to us and us to them, and we are so grateful. So finally, at long last, we met the right partner,” Hill said. “Opening Tip Tap Grow in the church’s building in the community of Cottage Grove, providing excellent child care and early childhood education, is part of our mission. This church has long focused on the needs of the community through affordable housing and food security, and now we are returning once again to childcare.”
There are three classrooms inside the church for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years that provide full-time, licensed, quality child care. The Bluebirds classroom will hold 11 students, the Chickadees classroom 14, and the Hummingbirds 10.
TTG is a performing arts school where play-based early childhood programs with music, movement, and creativity help children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Montessori learning methods, with self-directed, hands-on activities, are taught.
A playground is on the way, funded by a childcare infrastructure grant and Allplay Systems’ design. The playground will be built when the funds are received, according to Wendy Kelsh from the church.
Smith said that although the ribbon has been cut, teachers still need to be hired in order for classrooms to be filled. She anticipates an early May opening.
