Rivers area daycare becoming a reality
- Details
- Published on Thursday, December 17, 2015
Submitted Article
By Amie Griffith
Riverdale Community Daycare Board President
The Riverdale Community Daycare Board was formed early 2013. Members of this board have worked diligently to pursue the opening of a 32-space daycare within Rivers. Initially we discussed and evaluated the various options and spaces available for a daycare facility. We completed a needs survey to more fully understand the urgency of this facility. Currently, Riverdale Municipality has a population of 2,057 and is only able to offer 24 private daycare spots.
Because of our board’s perseverance and the continued support of our community, we are very happy to announce that Public School Finance Board (PSFB) has approved funding for our project! As many of you know, Rolling River School Division (RRSD) has agreed to the use and renovation of three classrooms in the high school. PSFB will fund $200 per square foot of the renovations required to turn those classrooms into a 32-space licensed (eight infant and 24 preschool) public daycare. Their funding of this project is only in place to cover expenses related to renovation of the classrooms and construction of any built-in storage space.
We are currently in the first of four stages of this project. These steps include: schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction procurement. There are a number of groups involved in each stage of the project: Riverdale Community Daycare Board, RRSD, PSFB, Manitoba Early Learning and Childcare, LM Architecture and Child and Family Services.
We have been very fortunate to have so much support from our community. To date we have received grants and funds from Rivers & Area Community Foundation, Brandon Area Community Foundation, Rivers and Area Lions Club, the Christmas bazaar, and previous ladies nights. Our own fundraising efforts (Ford Drive One, princess/superhero party, ladies night, dunk tank and fish pond at the fair, perogy sales, and 50/50 raffle) have also helped to provide some money. The money the daycare board has received from fundraising and grants will go towards the costs associated with all furnishings, toys and educational supplies, development of the outdoor green space, wages,and operational costs.
We will continue to apply for more grants as the project moves ahead. We would also be very grateful for any donations or interest in the sponsoring of furniture, appliances, etc. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses. The board is extremely excited to see this project become a reality for our deserving community.
