Early Learning Center on track despite funding setback

FINDLAY — Findlay Family YMCA is continuing the construction of its new Early Learning Center despite recently losing out on $1.5 million in federal funding, and the center is still projected to open this fall. The $10 million project seeks to address the critical need for childcare in Hancock County. Millions of dollars requested for projects in Hancock and area counties were lost after Congress stripped earmarks from a bill for funding the federal government recently. According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the largest special project that had been earmarked for funds in Hancock County was $1.5 million for construction costs for the ELC, requested by former Sen. Sherrod Brown. Findlay Family YMCA CEO Stephanie Parsons said that despite this setback, the project remains funded and on track. "We were disappointed to learn that funding for this project — along with several other important community initiatives — was removed during recent Congressional budget negotiations," said Parsons. "However, since this funding was never guaranteed, its loss does not impact our plans." The project is close to reaching its fundraising goals through donations and private funding, Parsons said. "Thanks to the generosity of our friends, neighbors, local corporations and businesses along with the Community Foundation and state elected officials, we are close to reaching our fundraising goal as we continue working toward a solution to the childcare crisis in Hancock County," she said. Replacing the Mary Brenner Child Development Center, the new 20,500 square foot ELC is being built southwest of the Hardin Street-Grand Avenue intersection, near the YMCA's downtown branch. The YMCA's 51-year-old Mary Brenner Development Center at 231 E. Lincoln St. will be sold, Parsons said. The building was originally administrative office space for the Marathon Oil Corporation, and serves about 200 children. According to YMCA officials, the old building is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and lacks flexible program spaces for youth development, educator learning and parental accommodations. The ELC will be able to accommodate more children than its predecessor, serving up to 320 children from infancy through 5th-grade. "We're excited to open the new Early Learning Center later this year, expanding access to care for more than 300 children in our community," Parsons said. The space will include: three infant rooms, four toddler rooms, five pre-K rooms, one school-age room, cafeteria/activities room, gross motor skills room, mentor/break/workspace room, room for nursing mothers, meeting spaces and a secure lobby. The building will also provide specialized spaces, equipment and developmentally appropriate teaching, socialization and individualized discovery approaches for children with sensory needs. Parsons said the center will also offer training to other childcare providers to raise the level of care throughout the community. The YMCA also wants to work with local schools, offering internships to students who wish to pursue early childhood development as a career. According to a 2023 study by the Hancock County Childcare Collaborative, for every one spot of childcare available, there are an approximate 10 children on a waiting list. Additionally, the study also found that the end of emergency pandemic funding has put a strain on families in Ohio, with a one-child household costing an average of approximately $10,000 annually to their childcare provider. It is estimated that 2,000 children up to 4-years-old need full-time childcare. "With more than 1,000 children currently on waitlists for affordable, high-quality childcare, we're proud to be part of the solution," Parsons said. "By increasing access to childcare, we're not only helping families but also strengthening our local economy — allowing parents to return to work, stabilizing the workforce, and ensuring children have a safe, nurturing place to learn and grow." The ELC represents the first phase of the YMCA's two-part "Stronger Together" campaign. The center is expected to open by early fall 2025. After completion, the project will be followed by phase two, a reconstructed downtown branch for enhanced health wellness, and gathering/learning spaces as well as enhancements to its East Branch location. The new YMCA building is expected to be built on the east end of the campus parking lot, allowing for the downtown location to remain in operation. Once construction is complete, the current YMCA facility will be demolished and replaced with parking and green spaces. The Early Learning Center will eventually be connected to the new YMCA. The space will include expanded fitness and wellness spaces, two pools, larger gyms, a teaching kitchen and additional youth development areas. For more information, visit www.findlayymca.org.