Cooperation Station seeks board members and part-time assistant teacher

Since transitioning the operational structure and model of the Cooperation Station childcare facility in Nov. 2023, day-to-day operations have been relatively smooth.

“The daycare is doing really well,” Adrianna Brisson, the secretary of the Cooperation Station Board, said. 

In Oct. 2023, the Cooperation Station announced closing its doors due to a lack of available staffing and program operations. A month later, with a new model and staff brought on board, the childcare facility reopened. 

Under the new structure, the childcare facility eliminated the parent-cooperative model, which previously required parents to perform day-to-day tasks. “One of the biggest changes since the daycare reopened is that we no longer operate with parents helping out,” Brisson said. 

Although parents are now off the hook from daycare responsibilities, Brisson said they are still welcome to provide input and take on responsibilities. So I think parents are appreciative that there’s a little less demand on them. That they’re able to just enjoy having their kids in daycare.”

Brisson, a new young parent who recently joined the board as secretary, said she has enjoyed helping the childcare facility in Grand Marais. “It’s a very special place in my heart.”

“It’s just been a real big goal of mine to make sure that it’s a very successful program that outlives us all,” she said. “That there’s always going to be opportunities for kids to have places to go for childcare.”

As part of that goal, Brisson said the Cooperation Station is currently hiring for a part-time assistant teacher position. The one-day-a-week job will help assist with daycare responsibilities for children ages six weeks to 6 years. The position will also include a substitute opportunity in the event Director Mackensie Young is out of town or unavailable. 

“We’re hoping to find that special somebody who is able to commit one day a week to the daycare and then be available for planned vacations and then unexpected events,” Brisson said. 

The Cooperation Station is accepting applications on its website or by calling 218-387-1324. 

In addition to hiring a part-time assistant teacher, Brisson said, the Cooperation Station is seeking two board members. “You don’t necessarily have to be a parent of a child attending the daycare,” Brisson said. “Community members are welcome.”

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Adrianna Brisson, the Cooperation Station Board Secretary, for an update on the childcare facility and the part-time assistant teacher position. The audio from the interview is below. 

Kalli Hawkins July 7, 2024