Times Observer photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris WCCBI recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at the Little Dragons Learning Center. Pictured are Joe Papalia of WCCBI, Kat Zawaki, owner of LDLC, and Cheryl Groves cutting the ribbon together, staff of LCDL, and state Rep. Kathy Rapp and state Senator Scott Hutchinson.

Kat Zawaki worked in cybersecurity and never imagined she would change careers completely to become the owner of a childcare center.

But, in her first 15 months of living in Warren, she realized it was a struggle to find childcare openings.

Zawaki saw the need in the community and pursued her vision, working weekends and evenings along with her day job. She collaborated with community resources, including Jefferson Defrees and the First Presbyterian Church, where the center is housed on the second floor, to create a safe, inclusive, and enriching facility to provide childcare.

WCCBI held a ribbon-cutting ceremony just before the open house, during which politicians, community members, parents, and children were invited to tour the new facility, located at 300 Market Street, second floor, in Warren.

The LDLC accepts children ages six weeks to 12 years old, offering all-day care Monday through Friday, after-school care, and summertime care. The curriculum is prepared and taught by licensed teachers and paraprofessionals.

Zawaki plans to open by July 1. Questions about their facility and childcare openings can be sent to ldlc.warren@gmail.com or call (814) 230-9101.