RR Toy Library Inc. eyes former Dutyfree building

By Ken Johnston
Editor

There are some new but familiar faces heading up the Laugh Learn and Play Day Care Centre (LLP) and the Rainy River Toy Library/Resource Centre (RRTL).
Leaving the RRTL to take a promotion at the LLP, Gabe Langlais is the new Supervisor at the LLP. She spent the last 10 years at the RRTL and 13 years before that involved in day care in Winnipeg. Bringing all that experience together she says she is very excited about the promotion, “This is what I always wanted to do. I have always enjoyed working with children.”
She started the position in December and said it has gone really well. The LLP is averaging eight children per day with some days seeing them completely full at ten. Originally the LLP was licensed for 26 spots for toddlers and children. However, due to having to locate temporarily in the RR Covenant Church they were restricted to ten spots due to the lack of available natural light.
But the board that oversees the RRTL and LLP, Play School Inc., is optimistic that they will soon be back up to full numbers with the pending purchase of the former Duty-free building just behind the Roadrunner Motel. Originally the plan was to locate the LLP in Riverview Elementary School. But the tenders came in high twice and that idea was scrubbed. Play School Inc. Chairperson, Terri-Anne Lundgren, said, “DSSAB offered us the money to purchase building instead.” The building is presently the subject of a rezoning measure by the town of Rainy River. If no one protests the application, it will be zoned “Institutional” from “Commercial.” This is basically a return to what the building originally was. It was the Catholic School for years.
If the purchase goes through, the LLP and the RRTL will all be located there, which means both groups will work together even more than they do now.
Filling Langlais’ position at the RRTL is Nicole Blakeney who is no stranger to the facility. She was the RR Play School Supervisor for fourteen years. While the play school no longer exists as such, having been replaced by the LLP, she was offered the Coordinator’s job for the RRTL when Gabe was promoted. Blakeney started Jan. 7th and is already very busy planning activities there.
The RRTL offers toys for families to use at the centre or sign out and take home. They also serve as a family resource centre from which they have many books on parenting and things like jolly-jumpers, strollers and playpens. Blakeney said that she works on program development that involves the entire family. Programs on breast feeding, gambling, grieving and death just to name a few. At present she is gearing up for a music and motor skills program and a baby siting instruction course for teens. She is also helping to coordinate the upcoming 2nd Annual RR Community Easter Egg Hunt on March 22nd at the RR Community Centre.
Langlais said the LLP focuses on licensed childcare for families. They plan each week ahead of time and operate around themes. Last week the theme was outer space and not too far away will be Easter. “They learn through playing here,” explained Langlais.
A typical day begins with free play, crafts, washroom breaks, snack time, circle group activities (using the theme) and outdoors play. “We offer quality care for a fee but anyone can apply for assistance in paying the fees.” Parents apply to the district social services board (DSSAB) and depending upon their circumstances receive assistance accordingly.
If all goes well it is hoped that the RRTL and LLP will be under the same roof by this fall. That is when the LLP’s temporary day care license expires. Both Blakeney and Langlais are looking forward to working together under the same roof.