Hero Story

Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, Kendra Nichols--owner and director of Elite Early Learning Center--was one of the only childcare centers in Shiawassee County to remain open for families and essential workers. Kendra was able to maintain staffing and a clean and healthy learning environment for all of the families throughout the entire pandemic. Moving forward, Kendra then purchased a new location and moved her entire childcare facility to a 9200 square-foot location to better serve families and their children. During this move, Kendra made it possible for the families to NEVER have to miss a day of childcare services, all while opening another location, completely remodeling, and licensing through the State of Michigan, LARA, a new childcare facility. The childcare facility is now up and running and is located at 701 S. Norton Street in Corunna, where we can serve children from birth-12 years, and also are a community-based organization for Great Start Readiness Program offering free preschool to qualifying families. Kendra is a Michigan Hero. Why? During the COVID-19 pandemic, not only were our frontline workers essential and in need of childcare daily, but also our children were essential, and they needed a stable environment during a time that was so unpredictable for so many.