Central Montcalm Early Learning Center Secures $250,000 for Expansion
The Central Montcalm Early Learning Center in Stanton, Michigan, has secured $250,000 in federal funding for expansion and renovation, enhancing educational opportunities for young children. The announcement came from the office of U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, who confirmed that this funding is part of a broader legislative package aimed at supporting community projects across Michigan’s 2nd District.
When Mandy McLaughlin served as the assistant superintendent of continuous improvement for Central Montcalm Public Schools, she played a pivotal role in applying for several grants that enabled the renovation of the facility, formerly known as Stanton Elementary School. These efforts included relocating the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and adding additional classrooms and an activity room.
In her new role as superintendent, McLaughlin applied for Congressionally Directed Spending project funds in early 2024, shortly after her appointment. Despite an initial lack of appropriations in the fiscal year 2025 budget, both Senator Gary Peters and Moolenaar’s offices encouraged her to reapply. Their support proved fruitful when, in mid-November, Moolenaar’s office announced the inclusion of the Early Learning Center funding in a recent federal bill.
McLaughlin expressed her enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “We are extremely excited about this opportunity and will start construction as soon as we are able.” Although a timeline for the funds has not yet been established, the approved federal bill will facilitate the revitalization and expansion of classrooms at the center, which serves children from infants to five years old.
A significant portion of the funding, estimated at $100,000, will be allocated to constructing an additional playground, addressing the current challenge of having only one small playground shared by three and four-year-olds enrolled in GSRP and Head Start programs. While students can access the nearby Veterans Park playground, the need for additional outdoor space is critical, especially as McLaughlin aims to offer before-and after-school daycare services.
The remaining funds, approximately $150,000, will be utilized to update four sets of classrooms for potential childcare services, along with enhancements to the smoke and fire safety systems and heating and cooling systems. Although the school district has sought to partner with the YMCA for before- and after-school child care, these discussions have yet to yield results. McLaughlin remains hopeful about the potential for additional childcare services in a region identified as a “childcare desert.”
The Central Montcalm school board closed Stanton Elementary School in 2011 due to budget constraints, after which the building has accommodated adult education and various programs, including Head Start. Today, the Early Learning Center not only houses GSRP and Head Start but also offers Link Learning and Central Montcalm Adult Education, creating a vibrant learning environment for all ages.
As Christmas decorations adorn the facility, the atmosphere is filled with the joyful sounds of approximately 50 children actively engaged in learning. McLaughlin noted that the classrooms designated for daycare services are well-prepared, featuring charming elements reminiscent of earlier school days.
The school district is currently awaiting further details on the distribution of federal funds, which will involve submitting a detailed project plan followed by a reimbursement process. Meanwhile, McLaughlin is eagerly exploring possibilities for the space, including potential rooms for zero to three-year-olds and early childhood special education programs.
“I am optimistic about our ability to provide more comprehensive childcare solutions in our community,” McLaughlin stated. “This funding is crucial, especially when early childhood care options are becoming increasingly limited.”
In addition to the Early Learning Center project, other community initiatives funded by this federal bill in Michigan’s 2nd District include projects aimed at improving infrastructure, such as a new fire truck purchase and wastewater upgrades. These investments are intended to address various needs within the community, from enhancing public safety to promoting early education.
The Central Montcalm Early Learning Center’s expansion marks a significant step forward for early childhood education in the region, reflecting a commitment to supporting local families and fostering the development of children in a nurturing environment.
