The new Lovett Child Development Center in Dixon expands child care capacity significantly, serving more families in the community.
Dixon: After a long wait, the Dixon Family YMCA has finally opened its new Lovett Child Development Center. It took nearly two years, but it’s here now!
This new facility is pretty impressive, covering 15,000 square feet. It’s located at 1675 Fulfs Lane and can now care for 226 kids, up from just 48. That’s a huge boost for families in the area.
The center has 13 rooms designed for different age groups, from infants to preschoolers. There are even outdoor playgrounds and kitchen services. It’s all set up to give kids a great start.
Before this, the YMCA had been providing child care at its main location since 2000. They realized they needed to expand back in 2021 because they were always full and had waiting lists.
Right now, there are about 260 families waiting for spots. The YMCA plans to move current families into the new center first, then start enrolling those on the waiting list.
They found that there are around 3,200 to 3,600 families in the tri-county area who really need child care. So, building this new center was a smart move.
They broke ground on this project in November 2023 and wrapped up construction by summer 2024. It took a bit of time to get the necessary licenses, but they finally got the green light.
McFarlane, the YMCA CEO, emphasized that safety and quality care are top priorities. They’re focusing on preparing kids for kindergarten and offering a variety of fun activities.
Heather Grobe, the Youth and Child Development director, is also working on a partnership for the preschool program. She’s really passionate about helping the community.
As for funding, the YMCA is looking for local businesses to sponsor different rooms in the center. It’s all about coming together to support the kids!
