Construction Continues For New Daycare
After dirtwork began in late May, the construction for the new daycare to be located by Dollar General is getting underway. The cement slab is in place and materials should be arriving this week for the building with construction likely to start next week.
The new 9,600 square foot daycare will be capable of providing childcare for 120 kids. That will include the children Ragamuffin Ranch already serves, but allows for considerable expansion. Owner Carol Maurer has studied the need to provide for more childcare in the area. They had an official groundbreaking a year ago, but they faced some challenges regarding the road access and other issues that pushed construction back.
The new childcare center will be able to provide state licensed care with capacity up to 120 children. There will be two infant rooms, able to accommodate 20 infants; two rooms for children 18 months to 2 years old, able to accommodate 30 children; and a room for 3 year olds able to provide care for 20 children. Two rooms will be utilized for four and five year olds in the Best in Class Pre K program, providing care for 22 preschool aged children. To help meet community needs for before and after school care, as well as summer care, there will be a dedicated room for 20 school-aged children ages 6 to 12.
The building is being made possible with the partnerships with the Mountrail County JDA, Souris Basin, the Bank of North Dakota and Town & Country Credit Union. Maurer also points to the partnerships with Bright and Early, Best in Class, Childcare Aware of North Dakota, and local childcare specialists. It also would not be possible without the support of her staff, families she serves, and her family and friends.
Construction is slated to be complete by May of 2027. While Maurer says that she has dozens on her waiting list right now, she encourages families to reach out to secure spots when this new childcare center opens less than a year from now.