Image courtesy of Greene Co Early Learning Center of conceptual of new building
A Jefferson-based childcare facility has announced that they are evolving for the future in a big way.
The Greene County Early Learning Center Board has decided to build a new facility. Board Co-President Jacque Andrew says they conducted a study in 2017 with First Children’s Finance for demographic data and growth projections. The study concluded there is potential for over 100 more children to be served. Currently, the Early Learning Center leases a space in the Greene County School District Administrative Building. Once the District moves their offices to the new middle school, the building will be turned over to the Early Learning Center. Board Co-President Bill Monroe explains why the Board chose to build new instead of renovating the current building.
“We sought professional opinion from two engineering firms, and they estimated the probable cost both to inherit and to renovate. These costs came in higher than expected for minimum upgrades and addressing any new code requirements that may have to be met.”
Early Learning Center Director Cherie Cerveny says they are licensed for 94 kids from two-weeks to ten-years-old and the new facility will allow for 147. Additionally, Cerveny says they currently have 17 kids seeking future care. The new building will also include 11 classrooms, whereas the current building has five. Cerveny points out they are looking toward the future of childcare in the county.
“So the goal of this project is to meet that need but also any additional need that will come as the community changes. Because there’s so many new projects with The Forge opening, and career center with the school district, and there’s just lots of exciting things in the community going on that we want to make sure that we are not just taking care of our current need but also what we will need in the future.”
Andrew notes they are using Benjamin Designs Cooperative from Ames for building plans. The new facility will be located on Vine Street, perpendicular to where the current building is. It will be a wooden structure that is over 12,800-square-feet. During construction, the current building will be continue to be used and then once construction is complete, the building will be demolished and replaced with a playground. The Board anticipates one year for construction, however, the bidding process is on hold until funding has been secured. The cost for the project is $2.9 million. The Board has applied for several grants and is asking for donations. Anyone who would like to donate can drop them off to the Early Learning Center at 204 West Madison Street. The Board is planning on a fundraising campaign next year. Preliminary drawings of the floor plan and exterior of the new building can be found below.