“Kids Rock! Child Care Center” is the name chosen for the community day care center in Luverne, and local leaders and organizers have launched a campaign to raise $1 million in donations to help pay for construction.
“Kids are the center of this project,” said Luverne Economic Development Authority Director Holly Sammons, who has been instrumental in organizing the project and securing funding. “The center will serve many families and businesses throughout Rock County.”
She explained the rationale behind the name of the facility, which was the result of a visioning process with many involved. “Not only does ‘Rock’ refer to our geographic location, but it also symbolizes the rock-solid foundation we want to provide for kids and young families,” Sammons said.
After decades of searching for a solution to the local child care shortage, Sammons said it’s rewarding to see a finish line. She compared it to giving birth.
“I feel like we’ve been ‘pregnant’ with this project for a very long time. The contractions are starting and it’s time for labor and delivery,” she said. “We’re ready to give birth to this project and watch it come to life.”
The city of Luverne, with support from Rock County and federal funds, is converting the former Total Card Inc. building (originally Tri-State Insurance) into a day care center.
The city paid $515,000 in March 2022 for the 30,000-square-foot office building, which needs $6.3 million in renovations to become a child care facility for up to 186 children.
Studies show a current day care shortage of 120 slots, and that doesn’t account for more than 100 new jobs coming online with new employers in the next year. Many of those workers will also need child care.
The new facility, which will open in phases, will eventually have capacity for 24 infants, 42 toddlers, 60 preschoolers and 60 school-age children.
The city has committed $2.15 million toward the project. Rock County will pay $550,000, and a grant through the USDA will cover $2.6 million.
A community fundraising campaign is expected to contribute $1 million, and the Kids Rock non-profit announced those fundraising goals this week.
“A community-based child care center will fill a critical role in the social infrastructure of a healthy community, allowing children, families, businesses and communities to thrive,” is on the cover of a colorful brochure touting the Kids Rock! Child Care Center.
The mission of the non-profit is to “build a rock-solid foundation that prepares children to thrive socially, emotionally and academically,” with a vision to “invest in children for the future of our communities.”
Community donations goal is $1 million
Community donations will help pay for cribs and cots, highchairs, tables, desks, chairs, stools and flexible seating.
It will help fund interior remodeling, rugs and carpet, office equipment and commercial kitchen necessities.
It will also help pay for strollers, wagons, trikes, scooters and outdoor playground equipment, as well as balls and toys for the indoor activity room.
Additional funds will be needed for learning equipment required by the Minnesota Department of Health. For example, equipment is needed for block play, gross motor skills, dramatic play, nonmobile play, manipulatives and library, music, art, science sensory exploration.
Kids Rock! partners with LACF to accept donations
Kids Rock! Child Care Center is partnering with the Luverne Area Community Foundation to accept charitable donations.
Contributions over $1,000 will be recognized on a permanent donor board in the facility.
Checks payable to LACF can be sent to 102 E Main St., Luverne, MN 56156. Call 507-220-2424 for information.
Renovation work on the building starts this summer with a projected opening late in 2024 or early 2025.
Once construction is complete and the center is furnished, the city will turn over the facility to a non-profit for $1 per year.
The city will continue to subsidize its operation, maintenance, snow removal, lawn care and utilities.