Ocracoke Child Care is a busy place. Filled to capacity with an enrollment of 38 children, all four classrooms are buzzing with energy. Books, toys, dress-up clothes and art supplies beckon children into the colorful rooms. A playground complete with swings and climbing toys provides a safe place for outdoor play in clement weather, and the wrap-around porch doubles as a play space on rainy days. The children play and learn, unaware of the hard work that’s done on their behalf.

“There’s always something to do,” Mandi Cochran said cheerfully, about her second year as OCC Director. Her first year, she said, was all about learning the rules and regulations that govern day care centers and “keeping the doors open.”

After a year on the job, Mandi said she’s now able to work on improvements. Toys are being replaced, the playground is going to be re-surfaced, and teachers are developing new programs and curricula.

“It’s a tough job, with a lot of pressure,” she said. “Keeping the children safe and healthy – that’s huge. Then we make sure that there’s adequate and appropriate stimulation for the kids. We give them lots of outdoor playtime and encourage active play, and we’re also always thinking about getting them socially and emotionally ready for school.” 

Mandi is responsible for hiring and scheduling teachers and working with them on their lesson plans. She’s also the one who does payroll, billing and maintenance.

“I’m the first plumber,” she laughed. “We don’t call anyone unless I can’t fix it.”

OCC is a non-profit organization, and must constantly seek donations and grants. The board of directors works to find creative ways to raise money and keep the center “on strong financial footing.” They also work to ensure that the center is in compliance with state laws regarding childcare. The center can be inspected anytime – sometimes unannounced – and the inspectors look at safety issues and whether there is appropriate staffing. Ocracoke Child Care currently has a 4-star rating out of 5. To earn five stars, OCC teachers need to focus on continuing their education.

“We have a two-component license,” explained Mandi. “The first part is an environmental rating scale, which is all about how safe the center is. The second part measures the levels of education of the teachers and staff.”

OCC teachers can take classes online from Beaufort Community College. They also attend in-service trainings provided by the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children. 

“Almost all of our teachers are constantly enrolled,” said Mandi. “But each class takes six months, so it takes a while to get all the classes they need.”

OCC teachers are eligible to for a state program that reimburses them for tuition and books when they take continuing education classes. Most OCC staff members are also on the waiting list for a state program that supplements the income of early childhood educators.

“Although we all know how important child care is,” said Mandi with a rueful smile, “it doesn’t pay well.” 

Last year, the Pre-K class moved from OCC to Ocracoke School. Although Mandi said she misses the Pre-K students, the change has been a good one for OCC.

“No Pre-K allows us to concentrate on the younger children,” Mandi said. “We were able to change around the classrooms and free up the teachers. And it opened up some space for others. We lost the Pre-K kids, but we’re still full.”

OCC currently employs seven teachers: Katie Cochran, Merrian Midgett, Steve Monticone, Karen Ritchie, Caroline Sparks, Melissa Turner and Brooke Wells. Even with a full staff, extra help is need and appreciated. 

“Going to the bathroom is a big deal,” said Mandi, “and fixing lunch. We really need more volunteers to help with heating up lunches.” 

Jen Esham and Leslie Monticone each volunteer once a week during lunchtime.

“They’re my godsends,” said Mandi. “I love that they’re here and dependable.”

 

If you want to help:

If you would like to volunteer at OCC, please call Mandi Cochran at 928-4131. Membership in Friends of Ocracoke Child Care starts at $25 a year, and all donations are tax deductible. Board members are Greg Honeycutt, president; Leslie Monticone, vice president; Phyllis Wall, secretary; David Scott Esham, treasurer; and Susan O’Neal, Leslie Cole, Paige Bennett, Roger Meacham, Gael Hawkins, Junior Perez, and Norma Sigal, members-at-large.