Westby Area Middle School

CHILDCARE CENTER OPENING 2nd LOCATION IN WESTBY!

Key takeaways (in case you don't have time to read it all)....

-This is a privately-run child care (not school-run)

-Costs for making these rooms compliant came from one time federal funds...not local taxes

-These 3 classrooms were being used for storage, so no impact on student learning spaces

-We are currently heating and cooling these spaces, so there will be no increase on building operations

For years, we have been aware of the shortage of childcare in our region.  This has been exacerbated recently by the closing of a center just down the road in Cashton.  During this time, we have been studying child care centers that have operated inside schools.  

What we have learned is that schools do school well and that child care providers do child care well.  When schools attempt to “run” child care centers, very few do so in a way that is cost effective.  This winter, we sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to help address the regional need for more child care by allowing a business or individual to use space in our school that is currently storage.  Though the district is open to partnering where efficiencies can be found, the business of child care is going to be managed by a business who knows how to do this.

We have 3 classrooms that were currently being used for storage.  With minimal investment in doors, bathroom updates, and exterior fencing, we are making these spaces compliant for use by child care providers.  We are using one-time federal grant money to pay for this project so that costs will not be passed on to our local taxpayers.  In short, using federal funds, we will be able to make the minor changes needed to provide space for 3 child care “classrooms” in our High School (the wing by the district office).  A reasonable rent will be charged for room usage which will offset these expenses over time.

Steve Michaels, District Administrator

MILES OF SMILES CHILDCARE CENTER - LOCATION #2

WESTBY, WISCONSIN

608.634.2833

Coming soon ...A Second Location!

The new Center will be housed in the Westby Area Schools (District Office Location)
206 West Avenue South ~ Westby, Wisconsin

Miles of Smiles is a group Center licensed by the State of Wisconsin and remains in good standing with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

* We will be accepting children between the ages of 6 weeks and 10 years old

* We operate Monday through Friday ~ from 6:30 am to 5:45 pm

(Closed all major Holidays and one day out of the year for Staff development and deep cleaning)

*Our Staff has received the required training and certifications

Interested? To reserve a spot for your child(ren), please call the Center or email Ashley Lium with your child(ren) name(s) and age(s) and please specify their potential start date of either part or full time care needed.

The entire Staff is very excited to be working with the Westby Area School District to expand quality care to the Westby and surrounding Communities.

Ashley Lium

Ashley.liumcc@gmail.com