Photo by Lyle Moen.

An Ainsworth-based daycare center opened its doors Monday, with an official ribbon cutting Wednesday evening.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors brought their large shears to Little Ducklings Daycare Center located at the Ainsworth City Center. Owner Trisha Morrison previously offered at-home daycare in the city of Washington, and has been preparing for this expansion since a “groundbreaking” ceremony was held with the chamber and Ainsworth city officials last August. Morrison is licensed to serve 49 children, and currently she has around 15 kids, those coming from as far as Hills, “I’m just trying to help with a severe need in the community and also doing it correctly, doing it by state standards and having a good curriculum for the kids to learn every day. They aren’t just coming here just to play, they’re actually going to learn things. And I have amazing staff already that I’ve just been blown away by them, I’m so thankful to have them to help me with this.”

Morrison thanks the Washington Chamber and Washington Economic Development Group for helping her find a location for her center, and the City of Ainsworth for allowing her to take on the endeavor. Little Ducklings serves youth from newborn to preschool education. She also offers before and after school care and transportation to and from school for those in the Washington district. Morrison is currently hiring for additional staff, and is also seeking donations of outdoor toys for the children. You can find contact information here.