By Payton Tholstrup

When several daycares in Concordia closed in 2020 and 2021, many staff members of USD 333 had nowhere for their children to go for daycare. Because of this, in 2021, USD 333 began managing Panther Cubs Daycare, which is a certified Group Daycare Home for children ages 0-5.

This fall, the district was notified by the Patterson Family Foundation that they had been selected for a Rural School District Childcare Grant totaling $27, 445. This is part of an $8 million grant-making program that was designed to help curb the childcare gap in rural communities.

The grant was open to more than 100 counties; each county could apply for funding for short term operation costs, training, and certification, and/or minor improvements aimed at helping existing or new facilities.

The district has accepted the grant and is planning to make significant improvements to Panther Cubs Daycare; updates will include additions to infant supplies, indoor and outdoor learning resources, and new safety fencing. The grant will also allow them to hire an additional part-time staff member. The district said they are very grateful for this grant and the support from The Patterson Family Foundation.