The need for daycare has come up at nearly every brainstorming session, candidate forum, and “what does Meeker need” casual conversation for years. Thanks to generous donations and community support, that need will begin to be addressed with the opening of Firm Foundation Childcare this month.
The current home of The Church at Meeker, 1032 Jennifer Drive was originally designed to be a daycare. Since its construction it’s been occupied by the Angels & Outlaws Academy childcare center, served as interim office space for some county departments during the courthouse and justice center remodel, and most recently became the home of The Church at Meeker.
In the early 2010s, Angels & Outlaws Academy provided care for 40 to 45 children a day. “Tax problems” were cited as the reason for closing the facility just a few years after it opened, leaving Meeker in “daycare desert” status for more than a decade. Parents of small children have been dependent on a limited number of private providers, friends and family to meet childcare needs. The lack of options, availability and cost puts a strain on families and employers alike.
“In order for Meeker to grow, we need housing and daycare,” said Pastor Rich Ford, noting the difficulty employers have attracting candidates to fill needed jobs. Even before opening its doors, Firm Foundation has 39 families on a waitlist. “The need is great,” Ford said. “We need to get the community some kind of reprieve.”
Director Lisa Moffitt is in the process of getting her Master’s degree and state certification through a waiver program that gives her a three-year window to complete the program. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and has 15 years of experience in K-12 education. Dusti Orchard will be assistant director, Teresa Viti will teach PreK (ages 3-6), Mallori Arnold will teach toddlers (18 mos. to 3 years), and the program is still seeking a certified infant care provider for babies from 6 weeks to 18 months of age.
Once fully staffed, the facility is licensed for up to 60 children, the majority of which will be in the preschool-age category, followed by toddlers and infants.
The vision for the center is to be a Christian early learning center with a classical or Montessori-type curriculum that emphasizes character development by “installing the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control,” Ford said.
Much of the preparation and planning for the facility has been accomplished through benevolence from members of The Church at Meeker, local residents and area businesses. “Without donations and support from this community we could not have done this,” Ford said. “There’s been a lot of volunteer time put in.” Natural Soda donated the cost of a copier for a full year, for example.
Tuition rates are $60/day for infants, $55 for toddlers, and $50 for preschoolers. It’s all-day preschool, eliminating the need for parents to find care for half a day.
With full state licensing, the facility will be able to accept Colorado Child Care Assistance Program payments, meeting a critical need for lower-income families. They’re also applying for grants to offset the cost of tuition.
Moffitt said they have a community open house planned for Sunday, Feb. 18 from 2-4 p.m. and anticipate opening the facility on Monday, Feb. 19. Hours will be Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for toddlers and preschoolers, and will open for infants when staffing is complete. Depending on community needs and staff availability, the facility may eventually open on Fridays, too.
Parents are encouraged to email Firm Foundation and get on the waitlist. As of Monday, there were 39 names on the waitlist, which will be first-come, first-served. Knowing how many children need care will help determine appropriate staffing levels.
