Children who attend the Paton-Churdan Early Learning Center may be in a new building next fall. The recent announcement of a $600,000 community development block grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority brings the ELC board close enough to the fundraising goal of $1.93 million that there’s confidence in moving forward.
The board called receiving the grant “a significant milestone,” but added, “our work is not finished yet.”
Including the grant, the board has $930,000 in commitments and donations, leaving about $430,000 left to raise. That doesn’t include furnishings or playground equipment. The board plans to raise the entire $430,000 before breaking ground. The center would open with the current furnishings if necessary, with plans to pursue grants for that and playground equipment in 2026.
An agreement with Paton-Churdan Schools to lease space for a 4-year-old preschool in the new building is in place and part of the financial planning.
The new center will be located on the northwest corner of the P-C school property. The 6,500 square-foot building will feature six childcare rooms, each with its own restroom, the preschool room, a commercial kitchen, and a tornado shelter.
The modular building which now houses the PCELC, immediately east of the school building, will be razed when the new center opens.
Fundraising is ongoing. Donations can be mailed to PCELC, PO Box 125, Churdan, IA 50050, or dropped off at United Bank of Iowa in Churdan. There is also an online option (click here). The PCELC is a non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
