For Kris and Herb Dula, the active community calendar of the Clarkston area drew them to the area.
‘We’re planning on having the kids blowing bubbles in the Labor Day parade,? Kris said.
Independence Township business owners, they enter floats in most of Clarkston’s downtown parades.
‘We like how everyone knows everyone else,? Kris said. ‘We love the downtown area, how quaint it is.?
The couple both grew up in Ortonville, dating at Brandon High School since they were 15 years old and getting married in 1995.
They settled in Independence Township about 10 years ago, keeping the books at Independence Square apartment complex and buying a house on Maybee Road.
They opened the Little Jumpin? Beans business on Dixie Highway.
‘I’ve always been interested in doing something like this or a day care,? said Kris, who opened the center with her husband in January.
‘We decided to jump in with both feet and go for it ? it’s a safe, clean environment for parents to bring their child to play.?
‘I was nervous, but it’s been fun,? Herb said. ‘I’ve heard her talk about language development from her education classes. I’ve been amazed ? it really does happen that way.?
Using what she learned earning an education degree at University of Michigan-Flint, the center offers activities and equipment designed for child development
‘From birth to about age 5 are the most important developmental years,? Kris said. ‘Children get a lot of stimulation, work on social skills, turn taking, language development, large motor skills like climbing, fine motor skills like feeling textures.?
Children 10 months-4 years old are enrolled in eight-week sessions in classes of 4-12, usually about eight. This allows children to interact with adults and each other without crowding.
‘With small classes, we get to know each child individually,? she said. ‘I can also individualize each session, to see what they’re interested in.?
Each class is about 45 minutes, lightly structured with lots of repetition. Parents, grandparents, or other guardians stay and are invited to take part, or they can sit in a waiting area.
The center is designed with children’s safety in mind. Floors and all equipment, including inner tubes, hula hoops, slide, and tunnels, are padded and soft. Gate latches and electrical outlets are protected.
A waiting area for adults has enough lockers for each child.
‘Parents can see their kids wherever they go,? she said.
Each session ends with a story for the group, song, or parachute activity, she said.
She earned a degree in elementary education in 1995 from UM-Flint with endorsement in childhood development. She is working on her master’s in literacy.
Herb, who worked with Ortonville Parks & Recreation as a counselor and volunteer soccer coach, also works as a teacher at Little Jumpin? Beans.
Planned this year is a paints and paper art class, one day a week, probably Monday or Friday, for up to 12 students.
They opened the business on Dixie Highway in the Ritter Plaza, remodeling an old dance studio.
‘We wanted something on Dixie Highway for visibility,? she said.
Eight-week sessions resume Sept. 10, with classes running during the week from 9:30 a.m. until about 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Holidays are incorporated into the programs, such as Fourth of July and Labor Day parades, Halloween party, and visits by the Easter Bunny.
‘The younger kids aren’t afraid of him because they’re in a familiar place,? Kris said.
For more information, call 248-343-5077 or check www.LittleJumpinBeans2.com.
It also provides networking opportunities for parents.
‘We give each other advice, mom to mom,? Kris said. ?