Our Story
Canaland began April 1, 1985 out of a community need for a Christian group child care. Canaland was one of the first group child care centers in Stevens Point, starting with two staff members and two children. After the first six months, Canaland expanded from caring for children ages two and a half and older to accepting one-year-olds. The following April, the Infant Department opened, and from there, Canaland continued to grow.
From the very beginning, Pastors Matt and Deb Mallek had a vision for a place where children could learn, feel loved, and experience the truth of God’s Word. Pastor Deb, with her heart for kids, was known for braiding little girls' hairand making sure every child felt seen and cared for.
From two children and two employees, we've grown to serving over 2,500 children in the Stevens Point and surrounding areas. Current enrollment is over 150 children, with about 100 per day from ages 6 weeks to before and after school care. Canaland employs about 30-35 staff members at any given time. One of the unique opportunities that Canaland has is to employ UWSP students, which is a blessing to the children in our care as well as gives students an opportunity to gain experience.
At Canaland, we love to learn and learn to love, helping children build a strong foundation in faith, learning, and relationships. It has been our joy to partner with families for generations, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community for years to come.
Our Vision
Canaland is a safe place where children are nurtured, academically stimulated and encouraged in a family-friendly environment. It's a place that they grow as individuals, learning that God loves them and has a plan for their lives.
Foundational Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
From the very beginning, the mission has been to nurture children in faith, love, and learning, planting seeds that will grow throughout their lives. Every day, Canaland is committed to helping children discover their God-given purpose, knowing that the foundation built today will guide them for years to come.
Our Environment
Even at an early age, a child can sense when they are in an environment that is loving, full of peace and where people care about them. Our goal at Canaland is to be a home away from home. A place where children feel safe, secure and loved. Canaland is a place where your child will learn to love and love to learn! Canaland is a Christian child care, meaning that children will experience God's love through caring providers and teaching staff. We don't want children to only know "about" God, but to know that God loves them and has a plan for their life.
Qualifications
Canaland is accredited with the International Christian Accrediting Association and state licensed through the WI Department of Children and Families, as well as YoungStar rated. Staff are state certified, as well as trained in CPR, AED, Shaken Baby Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death. Training is valuable and important, but most important is that the love your child will receive while at Canaland is second only to Mom & Dad’s!