Expanding Opportunities for Early Childhood Education: Grand Kids Learning Center's Ambitious Plans

In an effort to address the growing demand for quality early childhood education in the community, the Grand Kids Learning Center has announced an exciting expansion plan that aims to significantly increase its capacity and provide more families with access to high-quality care and education for their children.

Investing in the Future: Grand Kids Learning Center's Expansion Plans

Bridging the Gap in Early Childhood Education

According to the 2024 The State of Early Childhood study conducted by Grand Beginnings, only 40% of child care needs in the community are currently being met. To address this pressing issue, Grand Kids Learning Center is embarking on an ambitious expansion project that will help bridge this gap and ensure more families have access to the exceptional early childhood education services they deserve.With over 100 children on the waiting list, the organization has been making bold efforts to better support the community. Earlier this year, Grand Kids Learning Center proudly took over the former operations of Little Sprouts, reopening the location and marking the opening of their third facility. This expansion has allowed them to serve 82 students daily, a significant increase in their capacity.

Accommodating Growing Demand and Fostering Economic Development

As the organization continues into 2025, they have even bolder plans to further expand their center facilities, aiming to accommodate even more families in the community. This expansion not only addresses the growing need for high-quality early childhood education services but also contributes to the ongoing development of the county, fosters a skilled workforce, and supports robust economic growth.By increasing their capacity from 82 to over 130 children, Grand Kids Learning Center will be able to provide an essential service for local families while also contributing to the overall economic vitality of the community.

Partnering for Success: Executives Partnering to Invest in Children

To make this vision a reality, Grand Kids Learning Center has been selected as a Project of Promise through Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, a Colorado-based nonprofit that has been a leader in early childhood advocacy for the past 15 years. As the business voice in the early childhood sector, this organization will be instrumental in guiding the expansion of Grand Kids Learning Center.Through comprehensive feasibility assessments, facility and financial modeling, and strategic planning, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children will help shape the project, ensuring that the expansion increases access to quality, affordable early child care and education, and enables children in the community to reach their full potential while their parents thrive in the workplace.

Community Engagement and Fundraising Efforts

To support the expansion and engage the community, Grand Kids Learning Center is hosting its biggest fall fundraiser yet – a lumberjack-themed fall festival. Taking place on Saturday, September 14th, from 1 to 6 PM, the event promises fun for the whole family, with games, activities, live music, and a variety of food trucks.In addition to the festival, the organization is also hosting its annual Bert and Ernie Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 15th at the beautiful Pole Creek Golf Course in Tabernash. This event offers another fantastic way for the community to support Grand Kids' growth and enjoy a day on the greens."I am thrilled to be pursuing the expansion of our center to better meet the growing needs of our community," said Ashley Bobo, executive director at Grand Kids Learning Center. "This is an exciting step forward in our mission to provide quality, accessible early childhood education for all families in Grand County. However, to make this vision a reality, we need our community to step up and help sponsor and contribute to our expansion plans. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children."The community's support will help Grand Kids create more opportunities for children and their families, laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant community. As the organization embarks on this journey of growth and improvement, they remain steadfast in their belief that investing in our children is the most important investment we can make. With the community's help, they will continue to make progress and create lasting change that benefits not only the children of today but the workforce of tomorrow.