Surviving/Thriving Amid Covid-19: Wagner's Playhouse Opened During Pandemic

As soon as you walk into Wagner's Playhouse daycare you can tell it is a happy place. The kids are all smiling, playing games, and the older kids are fixing up a nutritious snack. Even when little Lizzie, one of the younger children who is experiencing her first two days at the daycare, starts crying another little girl is right there consoling her and diverting her attention to something fun. Tears are short lived; however, the fun at Wagner's Playhouse isn't.

Opened August 24, 2020 in the midst of an international pandemic, many would think Amber Wagner is crazy to start a new business venture. But Wagner saw a need and found a way to become the solution.

"I've been a single mom for seven years. Most people don't work 8-5. When COVID hit kids were out of school, but parents still had to work. So I opened up," she explained. Based in her home, Wagner is certified from the state, has state funds for a healthy food program, is CPR and first aid trained, licensed and insured. Her employee, Brandy Sanders, is also certified.

Wagner explained that the daycare is more than just a daycare - when school shutdowns happened, her own children had to do online schoolwork through ACELLUS. She made it a priority to learn the ins and outs of the program in order to assist her daycare kids with their schoolwork online. She also offers Pre-K learning activites, toilet training, speech activities, and bottle/pacifier breaking.

With more parents transitioning to homeschool or distanced learning to keep their children safe during the pandemic, as well as school's shutting down at a moment's notice due to exposures and outbreaks, Wagner's ability to assist with online schooling is vital, and also affordable.

"I've heard that daycare these days rivals the cost of tuition at Montana Tech when you add it all up," Wagner said, explaining that she provides flexible rates, paperwork assistance for state funds, as well as payment plans.

"I opened the daycare to help, not get rich," Wagner said. Wagner's Playhouse recently transitioned to a group daycare, allowing twelve full-time kids daily, with ages ranging from 8 months up to 12 years. The Playhouse also offers school drop off and pick up, preschool pickup from the school, and has availability on weekends. Currently there are two fulltime positions available and overlapping time slots in the afternoons as well for drop offs.

For more information on Wagner's Playhouse, contact Wagner at 406-565-7112.