The Southtown Beautification Committee is pleased to announce the January Sparkle Award recipient - Ed U Care Child Development Center, Inc., 6735 and 6741 Prospect Ave. In business for 33 years, the Center is one of the oldest childcare centers in south Kansas City. They provide childcare services and education for infants through 12 year olds, in a fun, playful, and quality learning environment. They serve approximately 50 children. In addition to child care, a support group for single parents meets quarterly. Counseling and referrals are included. The highlight of the program is caring for the children whose parents attended and graduated from Ed U Care!

Ed U Care has earned a 3 Star rating through the Missouri Quality Rating System. With the recent improvements, owner Yvetta Witherspoon is preparing for accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This will give them nationwide acknowledgement of their quality childcare. This past year, new doors, roofs, windows, exterior paint, and landscaping improvements were made. On the inside, restrooms were updated, new flooring installed, walls painted, and ceilings reconstructed. Congratulations to Ed U Care Child Development Center for the reinvestment made in Southtown and for sparkling!