Little Castle Childcare Centre
It was an exciting day for families affiliated with the Little Castle Childcare Centre as they joined board members and staff to celebrate the commencement of a major construction project last Wednesday. The daycare that has been housed in St. Andrews United Church since 2015, is preparing to build a new facility in Indian Head.
The Board of Directors for Little Castle recognized the need for increased capacity and has been exploring various options for expansion over the past several months. Little Castle currently has 50 daycare spaces at the licensed facility on Buxton Street, with a staff of fourteen. Thirty children attend a before and after school program that meets in a classroom at the elementary school; yet the daycare still has a waitlist of 58 children.
After careful consideration, the board determined to purchase property at 107 Eberts Street and build a new daycare. The proposed facility would be a single level, and approximately 6,840 square feet. It would include space for 90 children in a licensed daycare and accommodate an additional 30 children in a before and after school program. A large, outdoor play area would also be created. Preliminary design work has started as daycare leaders collaborate with SVC Construction, Luxe Exteriors, and Gilchuk Design to create a suitable plan. The board looks forward to sharing further details once they have received approval from the government.
The daycare has also acquired some funding for the project but will be seeking further support through sponsorships and fundraisers.
While they wait for final design approval, the board of directors and staff invited stakeholders and representatives from their construction partners to participate in a ground-breaking ceremony on November 29. Many community members who benefit from the services provided by the daycare and municipal leaders were also present to celebrate the joyful occasion.
Board chairperson Andrea Baumgartner addressed the group and expressed appreciation for the many individuals and organizations that are supporting the project. She also acknowledged the valuable impact that a local daycare has on a community.
“The establishment of a daycare centre is more than just the construction of a building; it is the creation of a nurturing haven for our little ones, a place where they will embark on the first steps of their educational and social journey,” Baumgartner said. “Today’s ground-breaking ceremony symbolizes the foundation of a space that will not only cater to the needs of our children but will also serve as a cornerstone for community growth and collaboration. It is a testament to our commitment to invest in the well-being and development of the next generation.”
Mayor Steven Cole echoed her perspective, saying, “This centre will greatly benefit our community by providing topnotch childcare facilities. Good childcare is vital for our town’s growth; it fosters an environment where families can pursue careers and professional ambitions, knowing that their children are in safe and nurturing hands. It also helps the children develop important skills early on, setting them up for success in the future.”
Following the speeches, adults symbolically pushed spades into the ground while children wearing hardhats and safety vests mimicked them with little plastic shovels.
“As we witness the turning of the soil today, let us also envision the growth and flourishing of the young minds that will soon fill these halls,” Baumgartner said. “Let this ground-breaking ceremony serve as a symbol of our shared commitment to the future and a promise to nurture, educate, and support the little ones who will grace our daycare with their laughter and curiosity.”
