Jasmine Child Care outlines 24-hour childcare pilot and Moorhead expansion plans

Mohammed Hussain, vice president of Jasmine Child Care and Preschool, briefed the Moorhead Human Rights Commission on the nonprofit’s mission, partnerships and plans to expand a 24-hour childcare model into the Moorhead area.

"Our organization's mission is to provide access to quality affordable early education, in a holistic and culturally honoring manner," Hussain said, describing partnerships with pediatric therapy providers, food pantries and local funders that support developmental screenings and other family services.

Hussain said the organization is part of a small North Dakota pilot offering overnight childcare to serve families working nontraditional hours. He said the pilot currently includes two or three centers in the state and that Jasmine’s Moorhead expansion is in process. "As the program starts, I'm just here to get it out there to the community," he said.

Commissioners asked about typical second- and third-shift hours; Hussain described second shift as about 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and third (overnight) shift as roughly 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., noting some parents work 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Hussain said Jasmine is licensed for roughly 60–63 children, currently has about 25 enrolled, and accepts childcare assistance. He said 98% of children served qualify for free or reduced lunch and that the program has served over 600 children across the Fargo–Moorhead region since its founding in 2015.

Commissioners and attendees expressed support and offered to share information about openings and partnerships as Jasmine pursues expansion into Moorhead.