New Childcare Center Looks To Fill Big Need In Roseburg

Waiting lists for childcare can be over a year and sometimes even longer around Douglas County. One family is looking to help alleviate some of those long waiting lists as they seek to open Roseburg Professional Childcare with a capacity up to 112 students at a time. Crystal Cordell is the director of Roseburg Professional Childcare and brings seven years of teaching experience in early childhood development along with her degree in elementary education. She has also three kids of her own. The opening date for RPC depends on the state giving them the green light to move forward with licensing, but they have heard from the Early Learning Division that it could be 30-90 days. “I know the service is needed because with my three kids we would be out on a wait list of over a year to get them into care,” Crystal Cordell said. “So to say the least, I can see why there is a lack of child care in our area because of the mountain of approval and resources needed. But we felt the time was right and it has been a very fun project. We look forward to many bright years of service to our community.” Once they do open, their hours of operation will be 6:30am-6:30pm Monday through Friday. Ages will include infants to 12 years old. In response to social distancing policy, RPC will be following the state guidelines. As of now that means classes of 10 or less students, regular sanitation, no shared spaces amongst other classrooms, and face coverings used appropriately. Co-owner and assistant director Blake Cordell has degrees in human services and business administration. He has over a decade of experience working in law enforcement as a school resource officer, K9 handler, tactical medicine and serves as a US Army Officer. Brandon Cordell who is the brother of Blake is the administrative teacher. Brandon is the business advisor and has his Master’s degree in business along with experience working with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. It took RPC several months just to obtain the building that they're renovating at 1293 NE Walnut. With more work needed, including adding walls for classrooms and furnishing the kitchen. The building has been approved by city zoning and planning. “In the meantime we’re getting renovations and the many inspections completed,” Crystal Cordell said. “We have the offices ready to go and are renovating the classrooms now. All in all it is a huge task and has required a substantial amount of resources to prepare the building and teachers.” RPC is hoping to be approved for opening on July 1 but it could be as far out as August before their licensing is approved. Photo from left to right is Crystal, Blake and Brandon.