The ChildCare Center at the Commons, in the Serenity House of Clallam County administrative building at 2203 W. 18th St., Port Angeles, has closed, in preparation for the start-up of the Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) Early Childhood Services/Head Start program, which began operating the facility July 1.

“This is an exciting partnership with OlyCAP,” said Serenity House Executive Director Kim Leach. “We’re thrilled to have a nationally recognized and funded early childhood education program onsite with our family programs.”

Cora Kruger, who served as director of the state-licensed, Early Achievers certified, ChildCare Center, remains as director of Children’s Programs for Serenity House. Kruger will organize family activities, parenting classes, HomeWork Club and other services. Approximately 140 minors, newborns to teens, live with their families in Serenity House housing programs, including 43 children who live in the 16-unit Evergreen Family Village apartment complex, adjacent to the early childhood education facility.

“Our decision to close the ChildCare was not easy or taken lightly,” said Leach. “It was based primarily on financial viability of the center and the agency.”

For more information, contact Leach at 452-7954 or kim.leach@serenityhouseclallam.org.