By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In May, Stafford County Economic Development began making headway on a new childcare facility. The process has taken some time, but last week Eco Devo Director Kathleen Norman was able to announce the location of the new modular daycare as 413 N. Pearl in St. John.
"It's super close to the school - it's a block away from the school," Norman said. "There is currently a house there that is in deteriorating condition. The house is going to be demolished, everything leveled, and then we'll bring in the modular classroom."
Norman has been working alongside AmeriCorps VISTA Falon Runnebaum, who will soon be leaving her role to return to the Kansas City area. Norman recently secured a small grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation to assist in searching for viable existing daycare properties. The decision was ultimately made to purchase land and bring in a new modular facility that will house two daycares. The city of St. John contributed $65,000 to the project, and the Stafford County Commission also came through with funding.
"Now that we have the land secured and I'm more solidifying a timeline for the actual modular to show up, within probably the next month or so - probably 4-6 weeks, we'll be putting out requests for people interested in providing, to start getting them on board," said Norman. "They will then independently be owning their business."
Norman had previously stated she hopes the daycare, which will serve up to 18 children, will be operational by early 2023. Since the new facility is a commercial one, it is subject to a fire marshal inspection and a KDHE inspection once a licensed professional is hired.