The Montgomery County Council did not commit money to the Montgomery County Early Learning Center at Tuesday’s meeting.
Kelly Taylor of the Montgomery County Community Foundation asked the council for $125,000 annually for five years beginning January 2025. The funds would match similar commitments already secured from Tempur-Sealy, Nucor, Wabash College and the City of Crawfordsville. The funds will be used to make up for the difference between tuition and the projected annual operating budget.
“Our projected annual budget is $1.2 million,” Taylor said. “We project tuition will be $750,000 leaving us a gap that we are asking our partners to help fill to sustain operating the center.”
During her presentation Taylor addressed how the center should be considered as infrastructure. She pointed out the need for early leaning facilities in the county and the early learning center.
“Our partners see this learning center as being important and something they desire,” Taylor said. “We need to keep the center affordable for families and provide quality early learning.”
Council member Gary Booth said he supported the effort but needs more information before making a five-year commitment. He has a lot of questions, and he wants to be able to answer questions any citizens may have.
“I don’t want the Montgomery County Community Foundation to think I am not for the center, because I am,” Booth said. “I just want more information.”
The council voted unanimously to support the center but not to make a financial commitment at this time.
Taylor said part of the mission of the learning center will be to educate workers of private childcare providers and to provide materials they can use in their own facilities.
Taylor has been contacted by many other communities wanting information on how the MCCF has pulled together the partners and she expects to see similar early learning childcare projects like the one in Montgomery County.
“Other communities are contacting us to find out how we are doing what we are doing,” Taylor said. “This project is unique and is piquing interest throughout the state.
Taylor said studies indicate there are approximately 1,000 children needing early learning in Montgomery County. Presently there are 750 students enrolled in childcare. Crawfordsville Schools have announced they will be providing early learning for their employees’ children next school year. The new county center will provide 127 seats.
