New Child Care Center Closes on Building Purchase in Sturgeon Bay

Children First Child Development Center closed on the purchase of the former Barker Center facility on March 1. (Left to right) Devin Vandertie (President, Children First), Melanie Ramirez (Treasurer, Children First), Kayla Lehman (Administrator, Children First), Tonya Felhofer (CEO, Door County YMCA), Lorie Torbeck (Center Director, Children First), Michelle Sternard (VP Commercial Banking Officer, Nicolet Bank). Submitted.

Sturgeon Bay’s newest child care center has a home. 

On March 1, Children First Development Center closed on the purchase of the building that was previously home to the DOCO Child Development Center, which moved into its new home in January. Before that the building operated as the Barker Center at 1743 Egg Harbor Road in Sturgeon Bay, and it will soon welcome children once again. Children First administrator Kayla Lehman is aiming to open in June.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Door County YMCA for the opportunity to purchase the facility formerly known as the Barker Center,” Lehman said. “Being that the facility was built to be a childcare center means we have minimal remodeling. We’ll be adding a wall to fully enclose two classrooms, putting in new flooring, and painting the interior; rather minimal in terms of cost and time.”

Lehman said that over $200,000 of the $750,000 price tag for the building and remodeling has already been raised through donors and foundations. 

“We are awaiting our 501(c)(3) status and are thankful to United Way of  Door County for continuing to serve as our fiscal sponsor,” she said. 

Children First is seeking licensing to provide care for up to 76 children ages 6 weeks to 4 years  old and already has a waitlist of 85 children.  

“We are also in the process of hiring lead, assistant, and float teachers,” said Lorie Torbeck,  Center Director of Children First. “We have already hired some truly fantastic teachers and are  looking to continue to build our team with individuals that are passionate about early childhood  education.” 

To donate or learn more about the center or employment opportunities, email [email protected].