Expansion, Relocation of New Hampton Daycare Still a Work in Progress

Expansion and relocation of Great Plays Daycare in New Hampton continues to be a work in progress.

Tammy Robinson with the daycare’s Board of Directors says officials began exploring the project almost five years ago and was able to move forward when the center was awarded an “Investing in Iowa Childcare” grant last fall of almost $750,000. Robinson says the state provided the funding to projects that looked at repurposing existing buildings and facilities. 

Robinson says fundraising continues, with upwards of $70,000 still needed to cover expenses.

The renovations at the church began last October and Brian Carolan, also on the daycare board, says that process has come with surprises almost daily.

Carolan says they’re still targeting early June for the transition from the daycare’s current location on the southside of New Hampton into the church on North Locust Avenue, when it will also be renamed “Little Sprouts.”

Great Plays currently serves 54 kids and the expansion can accommodate 97, but that will still leave about another three dozen kids on their waiting list.