Puddle Jumpers brings new daycare option to Panora

Jordan Killian opens home daycare to help meet the community’s growing childcare needs.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times

A new daycare center has opened in Panora. Puddle Jumpers Home Daycare is located at 310 W. South St. in Panora, between Lenon Mill Park and the Guthrie County Historical Village.

Owner Jordan Killian explained that she understands daycare options can be scarce in a small town, and when Panorama Schools changes to a four-day week this fall, the need will increase further.

“That was one of the ideas behind opening this. It can be hard for parents to find daycare around here,” Killian said.

Killian and her sister, Trinity, are the two staff currently working at Puddle Jumpers. Killian explained that most of her childcare experience came at home.

“Personal experience. I am the oldest of many siblings. Each of my parents had five kids, but I’m the only one they had together. I’ve been babysitting my whole life,” she said. “I also nannied for a set of twins and their sister. That was a few years ago.”

Killian expects to provide care for mostly younger kids. But because the business is new and the need for daycare is ever-changing, she intends to flex to the needs of the community. 

“We’ll do anywhere from newborns to whatever is needed,” Killian said. “I don’t anticipate we’ll get too many older school-age kids, but we expect a lot of younger ones.”

Puddle Jumpers operates only on weekdays.

“Our hours are Mondays through Fridays, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,” Killian said.  

Understanding that daycare can become a significant cost for parents, Killian has developed a schedule of rates so parents can pick the specific schedule to meet their needs. Details can be seen on the Puddle Jumpers Home Daycare page on Facebook. 

“Our rates are based on the age group of the kids and whether it’s a half-day or a full-day,” she said. 

Puddle Jumpers also offers something unique to parents when dropping kids off.

“Not only have I been watching kids my whole life, but my sister and I together have 15 years of coffeemaking experience,” Killian said. “So, we also offer coffees to-go in the mornings. That will be a fun little extra for people. They can put in an order the night before, and then they don’t have to make an extra stop for coffee.”

Killian noted that the location of Puddle Jumpers provides some nearby fun for the kids.

“We have the big back yard. We’re outside quite a bit,” she said. “We’re also right next to the Historical Village, too, so we’re able to walk over there.”

Currently, Killian serves an average of five kids each day. She believes in fostering creativity in kids, both her own and those who visit Puddle Jumpers.

“I love to see how kids act and how they figure things out,” she said. “We like to let kids explore.”

Killian shared that she enjoys being a part of the Panora community and especially enjoys the annual Panorama Days celebration. 

“I’ve been here in Panora for three years now,” Killian said. “I lived in Des Moines, but I’m not a city person. I really like it here.” n