Beginning late 2017, Wood River Vision 20/20 began exploring the child care demand and caregiver capacity, both now and looking into the future. Responses to a child care survey conducted January 2018 showed 65 households would consider using childcare in Wood River if it were available. The proposed Stick Creek Kids Child Development Center will be a new non-profit child development center with the capacity to serve up to 80 children at a time (more when factoring in part-timers). It will serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and be open weekdays from 6:30 am – 6:00 pm (dependent upon families’ schedules). The center will be owned by Wood River Vision 20/20.
The next step in moving the child care center dream into a reality is to raise funds to construct the building, fully furnish it, create outdoor play and exploration space, as well as provide grass, landscaping, fencing, sidewalks and a paved parking lot. While not all members of the community may have a current need for childcare, everyone in the community has an opportunity to play a role in the success of this project. By solving the childcare shortage problem, the community will be relieving a huge stress from current residents and making it easier for young families to relocate to the area. High quality childcare is essential for children’s future success, but also for thriving communities, for schools and for businesses.
The Thelen family has generously agreed to donate roughly .85 acres of land adjacent to the aquatic center for the center to be built upon. The overall capital campaign goal to build the center is $1,964,000. As of 1/14/19, the volunteer leadership team has secured donations, pledges and grants totaling $1,227,624 so we are well on our way to success. No City funds or bond financing will go into this project, nor will it have any taxpayer support. The center’s budget has been build to be self-sustaining over the years.
Everyone is encouraged to follow the progress on their Facebook page–Stick Creek Kids. For additional information, contact Sara (Moyer) Arnett at 308-380-7030 or [email protected]. Arnett stated “Gifts of all shapes and sizes are greatly appreciated so whether you’re a current Wood River resident, just still consider Wood River “home”, or share our passion for early childhood education and community development, we would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and earn your support as well. The community truly needs outside investment for this project to move from dream to reality.” Thank you in advance for considering a gift to the project!
To keep up with updates on this project visit their Facebook page.
