Meet Kim O’Loughlin
Kim O’Loughlin (o’-LOCK-lin) is from International Falls. International Falls is located on the northern Minnesota border, in Koochiching County, directly across the Rainy River from Ontario, Canada.
I get to watch so many kids go from tiny infancy where they basically sleep all the time and grow into amazing humans. I'm here for every step of their lives, even into their adult lives.
On starting out
I opened my in-home child care in 1998 after the birth of my first child. I wanted to be home with my own kids but also to give others a safe and loving environment for their kids while they are at work. I learned from my mom's example as she did child care for 17 years, including my first 13 years of life. Growing up in an in-home child care I learn so much about kids and the connections they need to build happy, healthy relationships.
In 2004, we built a 16’x26’ addition to our home so that the kids would have a bigger play space. I love having my days filled with laughter snuggles and hugs from so many tiny humans.
On what she loves about the work
I got to be home with my kids through their early years. When they got old enough for school, I was here to get them up every morning and when they got off the bus in the afternoon.
I get to watch so many kids go from tiny infancy where they basically sleep all the time and grow into amazing humans. I'm here for every step of their lives, even into their adult lives. I have been blessed to share 1st communions, confirmations, graduations, weddings and other milestones with the families. I have even been able to take care of the children of some of my past child care kids.
I love the little things: hearing them mispronounce words and helping them learn to speak better; going from scribbles to writing their names and drawing pictures; and my personal favorite- all the daily dance parties! I love knowing that because of me these kids will grow up knowing more than just the academics. They will know that their body needs movement to be healthy and the healthy food fuels all of their energy.
Family care is a second loving home for your children while you are at work. In family child care, it’s important to build relationships with the whole family and not just the children and to learn about each family’s culture.
On the value of family child care
Family care is a second loving home for your children while you are at work. In family child care, it’s important to build relationships with the whole family and not just the children and to learn about each family’s culture. Sure, it can be a stressful job when it comes to some of the rules and regulations. But the positives have outweighed the negatives and have kept me running this business for the past 24 years.
On community connections
Family care is a second loving home for your children while you are at work. In family child care, it’s important to build relationships with the whole family and not just the children and to learn about each family’s culture. The International Falls community is amazing and supportive. I love going to the store and knowing over half of the people I cross paths with. In small communities like mine, word-of-mouth is extremely important, and I have been lucky enough that many kind words have come back to me about my program. I feel blessed to live here and be a part of this community.
Interested in sharing your story?
Minnesota family child care providers are invited to highlight what makes your program a wonderful place for children to grow and learn. For more information, contact ombuds.fccp@state.mn.us.