Our Little School House in Palmerton has just become youngsters' extended home away from home.

Located at 338 Delaware Ave., the child care center held its grand opening on Wednesday amid much fanfare.Among those on hand were Carbon County Commissioners Wayne Nothstein, William O' Gurek and Charles Getz; and Dawn Ferrante, executive director, Carbon County Economic Development Corporation.Nancy E. Azar, associate conference minister for the Penn Northeast Conference United Church of Christ, Palmerton, gave the blessing.After a brief tour of the building, those who gathered went outside for the ribbon cutting.Cindy Simmons, co-director, said she had always wanted to open a center in the borough."There was such a need," Simmons said. "This is the perfect size space."Simmons said the center can accommodate up to 25 children, ages three-on-up."We have a preschool program during the school year, an outdoor play area," she said. "We do have people with knowledge-based degrees."Simmons, who also is the owner of the Hug A Day Care, at 6615 Interchange Road, Towamensing Township, said the children come first."Our goal is to make it the best it can be," she said. "We want to provide quality care for the children so that they can learn and be safe."Simmons thanked her husband, Keith Simmons, her landlord, Bob Everett, and everyone else who assisted."They've been wonderful," she said. "I couldn't have done it without their help."Simmons said space is still available. Parents who would like to enroll their child may call (610) 577-5047.