Great things are happening at Crittenton Center—and thanks to a generous $5,000 grant from Fund for Siouxland, we're one step closer to opening a safe, welcoming environment for children at our new East Early Learning Child Development Center on Gordon Drive.
This funding supports our Safe Boundaries, Safe Beginnings project, helping us prepare our new location for the children and families who will soon call it their home away from home.
What will the grant fund?
The grant will provide:
- 125 linear feet of six-foot safety fencing around the outdoor playground
- Two emergency exit gates
- A secure outdoor play area that meets Iowa Department of Health and Human Services licensing requirements
These improvements are essential before children begin care and will create a safe place where they can play, explore, and learn every day.
More than a new building
Our new Gordon Drive location represents much more than a new address. It brings together Crittenton Center's childcare and administrative operations under one roof while giving our long-standing East Early Learning Child Development Center a permanent home.
When renovations are complete, the facility will feature:
- Four therapeutic classrooms
- A dedicated Family Resource Center space where parents can access support and resources
- An Arts and Media Center to encourage creativity and learning
- Capacity to serve up to 80 children, helping address the ongoing childcare shortage in Woodbury County
Why outdoor play matters
Play is one of the most important ways young children learn. Outdoor spaces encourage children to build confidence, develop social skills, strengthen their bodies, solve problems, and explore the world around them.
Creating a safe outdoor environment means children can enjoy all the benefits of active play while families have peace of mind knowing their children are in a secure setting.
Thank you, Fund for Siouxland
We're grateful to Fund for Siouxland for investing in the future of local children and families. Their support helps us create environments where children are safe, families feel supported, and our community has greater access to high-quality early childhood education.
Together, we're building more than a playground—we're creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive for years to come.
