By Mari Radtke
Tammy Behrens, Kids Kampus Center Director since October 2021 said the expansion “just a talking point” when she was hired. She and her eight-member board looked at the lack of daycare in the area and at the numbers of children and households that could be served. The center is full and has been during her tenure. Behrens pointed out that there are currently 30 kids on the waiting list. “We get calls weekly for placement,” she added. “I do follow up calls to keep a current list.”
Currently, Kids Kampus is licensed for up to 46 children. They have 20-30 children in-house at all times. The goal became building the facility to be licensed for 60 children. To reach that goal, doubling the size of the building was necessary. Actual licensing capacity will be determined by the finished product according to DHS rules. The calculation is not simple square footage. Behrens and the Kids Kampus board are working closely with DHS staff and the State Fire Marshall’s office.
The fundraising target was set at $250,000 to cover construction costs and furnishings. Grant applications are being submitted everywhere that can be found. Behrens also gave a lot of credit to the parent advisory board, made up of kids’ parents. She explained they have already conducted a pancake breakfast fundraiser and a pasta fundraiser. Other examples of fundraiser projects are the “Winter Ball” and Cobblestone Days projects.
Recently, a bulk mail piece went out to kick off the fundraiser. The effort gives an overview of Kids Kampus since 1988 and that they care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and helps them “develop and learn.”
Currently, the building is owned by the City of Primghar and leased by Kids Kampus. The expansion has the full approval of the City Council. The expansion consists of adding 3 classrooms to the 2-room facility and an expanded kitchen that will allow care-givers to provide and increase nutritional meal offerings.
The City relies on the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) to be able to support the building while not charging full market rent rates to the center. The arrangement keeps costs to families affordable. Iowa Department of Natural Resources is maintaining its effort to state legislators to end Iowa cities and counties from receiving those funds. IDNR aims to take those funds for itself for land acquisition. Other legislation passed last session have stripped cities and counties of several specific levies voted on by the residents of those jurisdictions.
Daycares are not profit-making endeavors and rely on fundraising efforts and donatios, grants as sources of income in addition to the tuition for each child and a little food reimbursement. “Child Care Referral and Resource is a fabulous resource,” Behrens said. It gives guidance to licensed daycare centers to establish flexible policies to be affordable and flexible for all families. This fundraising project is designed to help keep the cost of tuition affordable. “Any contribution, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated,” reads the mailer.
Once the expansion is complete, targeted for late spring 2024, care will shift to the new addition and remodeling in the existing part of the building will start. The remodeling will consist of a new entry, new kitchen, repurposed space and general upgrades.
“Our staff can’t wait,” said Behrens. She added that the kids are excited too! Board president Ashli Gesink said, “I’m very excited. There are many benefits to this project.” Board member Susan Smith also shared her excitement. Other board members are vice president Thor Klinker, Secretary Kristen Triplett, Treasurer Sue McCauley, Julie Sampson, Becca Miller and Josh Hass.
Good daycare affects all communities. It affects all families.
Donations can be made at First National Bank in Primghar, Savings Bank, Primghar or by contacting Tammy Beherens at 957-0034 or email kidskampusprimghar@gmail.com.
Follow kidskampus on their Facebook page and follow this story in your local newspaper, “O’Brien County’s Bell-Times-Courier.”