USD 252 Southern Lyon County is celebrating a major grant to help with operations of its early childhood center.
The state’s Child Care Capacity Accelerator Program has granted the district $207,000. Superintendent Ryan Muhlig says this will help with salaries, technology and “soft costs” — things like rubberized playground mats, shade canopies for outdoor areas and toys. While the grant will help employees and give students an enhanced experience, Muhlig says it likely won’t lead to expanded enrollment.
Muhlig says this is a reimbursement grant, so the district will have to make purchases and send receipts to the state so it can obtain the funds. The district has to spend the money by the end of the state fiscal year June 30, but Muhlig says the grant could be fully expended by early next year.
The Child Care Accelerator grant program is the same one that granted the Emporia Chamber Foundation $552,000 to purchase the former Maynard Early Childhood Center and convert the property into a 24-7 daycare.
