A Treasure in Loretto Kentucky: The Loretto Child Care Center 

By Marlene Spero SL

A treasure, the Loretto Child Care Center (LCCC) is located in rural Marion County, Kentucky and is a non-profit program dedicated to the positive growth and development of the whole child. It was begun by the Sisters of Loretto in 1997 and is a 3-star-rated child care facility serving families who live in the area. LCCC welcomes children six weeks to 12 years of age and features an integrated, hands-on and academically challenging setting focusing on the developmental needs and interests of each child being served.

Staff at the Center seek to encourage the children to respect the dignity of each person, to use nonviolent resolutions of conflict and to care for the environment. The child’s day likely includes arts and crafts, sensory play, along with work to develop fine and gross motor skills. The curriculum of age-appropriate math, science and reading also allows for holiday and cultural celebrations. 

Throughout the years, the Center has cared for many children of Motherhouse employees. They try to keep rates as low as possible so that services are accessible to families in need of childcare. Currently LCCC has an enrollment close to 100 children and maintains a waiting list. The board of directors is composed of parents and community members. One important measure of the success of the program is the consistently happy attitudes of the children and the confidence of their parents based on weekly communications between teachers and parents. 

Employment opportunities are opening up rapidly in this area and quality child care is essential to support and empower this rural community. Without the Loretto Child Care Center the working families of western Marion County have few options for child care beyond family members. Thank you to all who make it possible for LCCC to stay open and provide top notch care for Marion County children.