A Safari in Royal

The number of youngsters housed at Clay Central/Everly Elementary is about to grow.

Safari Child Care & Preschool, of Milford, is in the process of opening a new branch inside the Royal building. Owner Dani Muller first approached the school board in February with the idea, and the wheels of progress kept on turning.

"My goal was always to expand and grow our business and when [CC/E Elementary Principal] Michelle Huntress came to me with this opportunity to open in the elementary school, I jumped," Muller explained. "There is a high need all around since several places have closed during the last couple of years, and I want to help where and how I can."

In addition to serving as a daycare, Safari's Royal location will also offer before- and after-school care. The daycare is certified to hold a maximum capacity of 57 children and will be located in the former Little Mavs Child Care Center rooms on the east side of the building.

Safari Child Care & Preschool originally opened in 2010 by Christine Jostand and Cassidy Hemphill. Muller worked at the site off and on for six years before returning in 2019 as its director. In May 2021, she and her husband, Paul, purchased the daycare center and have operated it ever since.

Muller was motivated to take over the facility as her own thanks to a passion for working with children and families. She has been in childcare for more than a decade and holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and Minor in Psychology.

"This has been one of my favorite jobs ever undertaken and it's always so rewarding," she said. "I also get to be with my two kiddos every day."

Muller is looking forward to cutting the ribbon on the Royal location. Toys, furniture and educational items were moved in last week, and she plans on getting everything organized over the coming weeks in anticipation of the Aug. 22 opening date.

The facility is currently taking enrollments and is in the process of hiring staff.

"We will plan to start with 2-4 staff members, depending on the number of kiddos enrolled right away. The more children we can get enrolled, the more staff we will hire," Muller explained.

Opening a daycare in a school will allow access to existing facilities like the gym and playground, and Safari will also have access to CC/E's full kitchen when school is not in session. Muller said getting the daycare licensed and finding staff have been the biggest hurdles so far, but she is looking forward to hitting the ground running.

"Just from word of mouth, I've heard many people are very excited to see a center in there again," she said. "We're pretty excited about it, too."