By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Construction on the $1.6 million childcare center in Great Bend, facilitated by Great Bend Economic Development, is expected to be finished in April. A public open house will be held in mid-April for the 6,500-square-foot daycare.
Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said following a job fair in February, the Advancing Barton County Childcare committee is still seeking applicants for the 11 daycare positions.
"We still have some to hire," said Arnberger. "If you know someone interested in the position, please encourage them to apply. All of the part-time positions will be apprenticeships. They're great opportunities for students that want to learn more and accelerate as they participate in a childcare career."
Named Bright Beginnings Childcare, the facility will be open for 59 children in the beginning, ages six weeks to five years. The ABCC committee took on fundraising for the daycare and received a $2.23 million grant to assist with the Great Bend facility and build a similar daycare in Hoisington.
Pending all of the childcare’s licensing and reviews, Arnberger is hopeful for an opening date in May.