Childcare center coming to Griswold

Tess Nelson
The Red Oak Express

Funding for a Griswold Childcare Development Center has really taken off. According to Noble Initiative Foundation Board President Jared Wyman, nearly 70-percent of the funding for the project has been raised through private donations and grant funding.
According to Wyman, 2.3 million dollars needs to be raised to cover campaign costs, building construction and some initial operating expenses. So far, 1.6 million dollars has been raised; that leaves 684,000 dollars to reach their campaign goal.
Volunteer teams continue to seek private donations, write grants, and hold fundraising events. Donations can be sent directly to the Noble Initiative Foundation, P.O. Box 103, Griswold, 51535.
Wyman explained the Noble Initiative Foundation was formed in 2018 after the Noble Center United Methodist Church closed its doors and donated the remaining funds to develop a local childcare center serving Griswold families and the surrounding communities.
The new Childcare Development Center will be located south of the Griswold School football field and bus barn on east side of Harrison Street – well within walking distance.
Construction will begin this fall, with the facility set to open in the summer of 2024.
Wyman said the 8,800 square foot facility will have four classrooms and a half gymnasium. It will be capable of serving up to 100 children from 6 weeks old to 12 years old, including a separate area for before and after school care for elementary age kids. The childcare center will provide year-round childcare, including full-time, drop-in, and before/after school care. Hours of operation are anticipated to be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
He added the facility will include a secure entrance system with a doorbell entry camera system and check-in reception area to arrange the drop-off and pick-up of children. Emergency floodlights, a fire safety system, and a tornado shelter will be included, said Wyman.  
He added the development center is a small part of a larger plan to spur economic growth in Griswold.
“We hope to (1) increase student retention in the Griswold School district by providing quality childcare, (2) strengthen our local economy, and (3) support the local workforce by allowing parents to pursue employment and professional opportunities,” Wyman explained.
“According to a survey distributed to the greater Griswold area in 2018," said Wyman, "84 children in our area under the age of 4 need child care. Thirty-five percent of families don't have adequate child care, and 75% of households miss work due to disruptions in child care services. Forty-three percent of households turn down a promotion, or expanded unemployment due to a lack of child care. We currently only have a few in-home child care providers in the area, leaving several families to seek child care out of town."
Volunteers are also needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can email griswoldtigerchildcare@gmail.com.