Page 15 - AUGUST2021

August 2021 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 15 Community
PLYMOUTH, NH – Mid- State’s Children’s Learning Center is set to begin renova- tions later this month to their new facility located at 742 Tenney Mountain in Plym- outh, New Hampshire. Slated for a fall completion date, the 8,400 square foot facility will provide ample space for nu- merous classrooms and making it the learning home for more than 60 children from infants through preschool aged.
According to Robert Mac Leod, Mid-State Health Cen- ter CEO, an internal feasibility assessment identified that the region currently has licensed childcare for only 25% of the infant and toddler population; the project will address the re- gion’s unmet childcare needs. Additionally, 51% of the child- care slots at The Children’s Learning Center will benefit children of low- and moder- ate-income households, pro- viding them with high-quality, affordable childcare in a con- venient location with skilled teachers. “This expansion was necessary to meet the in- creasing needs for childcare and preschool education in our community whereby increas- ing our capacity will allow us to serve three times the current number of families,” says Ali- son Murphy, Director of the Children’s Learning Center.
The new facility will be completely renovated to be- come an energy-efficient building complete with solar panels to reduce environmental impacts; a high-quality HVAC system will allow for ventila- tion for increased infection control; indoor and outdoor play areas will allow for phys- ical activity no matter what the NH weather brings; and a garden for the children to grow fresh foods and be taught about nature and healthy eating.
Funding for the 3.1 mil- lion dollar project is ongoing. However, to date, Mid-State has received grants from the
Community Development Fi- nance Authority (CDFA) in the form of a public facilities grant and tax credit program. In ad- dition, construction financing is being provided in part by the Bank of New Hampshire, and tax credit commitments have been made by Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, Bank of New Hampshire, Northway Bank, Meredith Village Sav- ings Bank, Orchard Medical Management, Anagnost Com- panies, and the Grappone Auto
Group. Additional fundraising activities are ongoing and a capital campaign will roll out later this summer.
Additionally, Mid-State’s Children’s Learning Center will undergo a name change and a total rebrand of the school, becoming Little Ant- lers Learning Center. The new name, along with a brand new logo representing a car- toon moose named “Max,” was revealed at their ground- breaking event on July 15th.
Little Antlers Learning Cen- ter’s unique name was thought of by Mid-State staff member
Colleen and was chosen as the community favorite through a survey in June.
Considered a true learn- ing program, Little Antlers Learning Center will continue to provide the same level of high-quality childcare for its reputation within the commu- nity. To stay connected with the Little Antlers expansion proj- ect and learn more about their programs, please visit www. midstatehealth.org.
Mid-State’s Children’s Learning Center Set to
Begin Renovations on New Facility
New Name Revealed as Little Antlers Learning Center