New construction planned for early childhood facility

LAUREL – A new childcare facility in the works for Laurel will be built new instead of renovating.

Building Blocks Early Childhood and Family Development Center, a forthcoming child development, was originally slated for a renovation project to enhance donated facilities, said Megan Pippitt, Building Blocks’ board president. However, the decision was made to embark on the construction of a new facility to better meet the needs of the growing community, she said.

“While committee members were eager to enhance a donated facility through renovation, it became evident that a new building would better facilitate long-term growth within our community,” Pippitt said. “In the best interest of the children and families we intend to serve, the committee has made the strategic decision to pivot towards a new building that will not only address our current needs but also provide a safer pickup and drop off location.”

Building Blocks Early Childhood and Family Development Center will offer programs designed to support early childhood development through collaboration with Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School.

“Our partnership with the Building Blocks Early Childhood Program will integrate programs and services spanning from early childcare to preschool, as well as expanded before school, after school, non-school day, and summer programming,” said Jeremy Christiansen, LCC superintendent and Building Blocks board member. “This exciting and important community-school collaboration promises to provide high quality early childhood learning opportunities for children and youth of all ages, whether that be much needed care for our youngest children or valuable work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities for our high school students.”

Prospective parents are encouraged to stay connected for updates on Building Blocks Early Childhood and Family Development Center’s progress through the LCC School website, social media posts, as well as the school district’s quarterly newsletter mailed to all local postal customers.

“We understand the anticipation within the community, and our committee wants to assure everyone that we are working tirelessly to expedite our opening while maintaining the highest standards of care,” said Keith Knudsen, Building Blocks treasurer.

Patience and enthusiasm from Laurel families is appreciated, Pippitt said.

“We are determined to provide a positive and enriching experience for the children under our care, and we look forward to soon becoming a trusted partner in their early development,” she said.