Kris Goracke

Reporter

The shortage of daycare is a well-known issue for parents in Pope County. However, a $240,000 grant awarded to Glacial Hills Elementary in Starbuck aims to alleviate some of this demand.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently awarded 21 organizations with Child Care Economic Development Grants, marking the state’s largest-ever round of funding for this program. This funding is expected to increase childcare program capacity by 2,241 slots statewide. For Glacial Hills Elementary, the grant will expand its preschool and childcare services.

In 2022, Glacial Hills Elementary began offering all-day, everyday preschool. In 2023, the school established a childcare center, initially accommodating seven toddlers. With the new grant, Glacial Hills will hire additional teachers for the preschool program, increasing its capacity from 20 to 35 students. The childcare center will also expand from 7 to 14 children, and an infant room for eight infants will be opened.

“We are very excited about this grant and being able to offer the community a much-needed service,” said Glacial Hills Elementary Director Jodee Lund.

The grant will also be used to upgrade the playground for the daycare children. “We are installing poured rubber flooring in the playground area, which will make it maintenance-free and safer for the little ones,” Lund added. Additionally, the grant will fund the construction of a shed to house strollers, wagons, and trikes for the daycare.

According to a 2023 study by the Rural Child Care Innovation Program, Pope County needs 142 childcare spots, 92 of which are needed in Starbuck alone.

With the increase in childcare openings, Glacial Hills will also extend its operation hours starting this fall, aiming for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending on staff availability.