Elma, IA

Elma Early Childhood Center

During the Study Circle Action Forum as part of the Elma Horizons Program, the top priority was the establishment of an early childhood center in Elma. Elma has no certified childcare providers and few other daycare services available.

Remodeling of space within the Elma Elementary School is underway. Funding for the addition has been secured with a USDA-RD grant of $50,000 and a commitment of funds from the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District for the remaining construction costs. The Elma community must obtain between $20,000 and $30,000 for operating costs in order to proceed. Over $11,000 as of January 1, 2008 has been raised.

Application for 501c3 status from the IRS and incorporation papers with the State of Iowa has been submitted. A board of directors has been formed and this board is progressing with the operational details of this project. The goal is to have services available by June 1 within the existing school and a move-in date to the new childhood education center by September 1.

The Study Circle Action Forum believed that, by providing dependable and quality childcare, those parents in poverty will be given the opportunity to work. Economic development requires an available workforce and quality services

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm and is filed under 04. Poverty: Structural Change. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.