Phase one work is underway to move Little Lyons LLC closer to 24-7 daycare status at the former Maynard Early Childhood Center.
Ignite Emporia Director Michelle Margeson tells KVOE News work has started to approve a board of directors, and several positions have already been filled. Work will likely begin next month on hiring a director.
The need for more daycare slots has taken on greater emphasis as an economic development driver at both the local and state levels the past three to four years. Margeson says daycare for the so-called swing shift has become an urgent need.
Stage one work on initial renovations and policy formation will take place simultaneously. After that initial stage is handled, the next step is code compliance work for round-the-clock daycare access in the south part of the building at 19 Constitution, followed by classrooms in the north side of the building. More classrooms, office space, kitchen, therapy rooms and nursing spaces will the the fourth stage. Phase five is the official full opening of the daycare.
Fundraising continues after the Chamber Foundation secured over $2.2 million in grants from the state of Kansas back in October along with a $60,000 grant from the Trusler Foundation.
