A crowd of nearly 100 people, including representatives from the Montgomery County Early Learning Center’s 16 partners, gathered Thursday to mark the completion of the new center — a project that was years in the making.
Discussions for the creation of the center began in 2019, and construction kicked off following a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024. The facility, located at 110 W. South Blvd., is set to officially open its doors March 17.
KinderCare, known for its research-based curriculum and nationally accredited programs, will operate the center and provide 124 childcare spots for infants through preschool-aged children. Their focus on early childhood development ensures that children not only receive quality care but also a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The facility includes dedicated rooms for infants as young as six weeks, toddlers, two-year-olds and pre-K students. An indoor recess room offers space for physical activity when using the outdoor playground isn’t an option, and infants will engage in sensory stimulation exercises.
“We wanted a partner that would value educators and create relationships for our families and children who would enter this facility. KinderCare Learning Company is that partner,” said Montgomery County Community Foundation CEO Kelly Taylor.
At the ribbon-cutting, Taylor emphasized the significance of the new center.
“Today marks an exciting milestone in our community, a place where our youngest learners will grow, explore, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment,” she said.
The project, a $5 million investment, was made possible through a partnership between businesses, government entities, and philanthropic organizations. Partners in this endeavor included Acuity Lighting, City of Crawfordsville, DES Engineering, Early Learning Indiana, Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Lakeside Book Company, Montgomery County government, Montgomery County Community Foundation, North Central Health Services, Nucor, Penguin Random House, State of Indiana, Tempur Sealy, Tipmont, Tri-County Bank & Trust and Wabash College. Halstead Architects served as the project architect, and Patterson Horth, Inc. acted as the construction manager.
The collaboration aims to address the shortage of high-quality childcare in Montgomery County, where fewer than 40% of children under five currently have access to such care.
KinderCare, which operates nationally accredited early learning centers across the country, will run the facility with a research-based curriculum.
“When this center opens in a few short days, 124 children will have access to high-quality early childhood education, which will prepare them for a lifetime of learning while also offering their families much-needed support,” said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions.
The center is now accepting enrollments for infants through preschool-aged children. Families interested in learning more can contact the center at 765-323-2223.
