Simmons Pet Food ultimately decided not to purchase the former Maynard Early Childhood Center, but it is financially supporting the venture that’s now at the former Maynard address.
Simmons will give Little Lyons Childcare $100,000 over five years, beginning later this year. Funds will help Little Lyons expand its services and address local childcare needs.
Little Lyons opened last week with three classrooms available to children up to preschool age and plans to renovate the entire facility to make the building a 24-7 daycare. Simmons Vice President of Operations Brian Potter says Little Lyons will be a “game changer” for team members, especially those who need daycare at any point time other than normal business hours.
Simmons had pursued the former Maynard building for its own round-the-clock daycare facility two years ago, and had submitted a tentative purchase plan before withdrawing from consideration in August 2022. The Emporia Area Chamber Foundation and Ignite Emporia then began the push to buy and convert the space into Little Lyons.
