Great Bend Post
The research and work that has gone into the creation of a new group
daycare center in Great Bend has been extensive for well over a year. While
construction has yet to begin, the location of the daycare will be on the west
side of town, near 10th Street.
Advancing Barton County Childcare, Inc., established by Great Bend Economic
Development, consists of an 11-member board of major employers, public
partners, school representatives and childcare specialists.
The committee will ask for the Great Bend City Council’s approval next Monday night
for a conditional use permit for operating a group daycare center at 4507
Farmers Plaza Lane, just off 10th Street near the K-96
Highway intersection. The proposed name is Farmer's Plaza Childcare Center.
The daycare center will be off Coolidge Street and Farmers Plaza Lane, reducing the traffic compared to right off of 10th Street.
Great Bend Economic Development received $435,000 from Barton County to help
start the projected $1.6 million project. In July, the committee announced
receiving a $500,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.
According to the group’s studies, there are approximately 700 spots needed for
childcare in Barton County beyond what is currently available.
The daycare center is expected to serve up to 59 children. The new
childcare facility plans to provide elevated wages to keep the daycare staffed.
The average entry-level childcare worker in Barton County earns $9.40 an hour.
The new facility will start part-time help at $10.58 an hour. Lead teachers are
paid an average of $24,200 for an annual salary, but would get a $36,000 salary
plus benefits at the new daycare.
The Great Bend Planning Commission considered the conditional use permit to
allow the operation of the daycare center in a C-2 (General Commercial) zone at
4507 Farmers Plaza and recommend approval. The city council will consider the
motion at the meeting on Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.