Mid-State’s Children’s Learning Center is set to begin renovations later this month on our new facility located at 742 Tenney Mountain in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Slated for a fall completion date, the 8,400 square foot facility will provide ample space for numerous classrooms and making it the learning home for more than 60 children from infants through preschool-aged.
According to Robert MacLeod, Mid-State Health Center 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 region’s unmet childcare needs. Additionally, 51% of the childcare slots at The Children’s Learning Center will benefit children of low- and moderate-income households, providing them with high-quality, affordable childcare in a convenient location with skilled teachers.
“This expansion was necessary to meet the increasing needs for childcare and preschool education in our community whereby increasing our capacity will allow us to serve three times the current number of families,” says Alison Murphy, Director of the Children’s Learning Center.
The new facility will be completely renovated to become an energy-efficient building complete with solar panels to reduce environmental impacts; a high-quality HVAC system will allow for ventilation for increased infection control; indoor and outdoor play areas will allow for physical 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 million dollar project is ongoing, although to date Mid-State has received grants from the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) in the form of public facilities grant and tax credit programs. 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 Savings Bank, Orchard Medical Management, Anagnost Companies, 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 Antlers Learning Center. The new name and a brand new logo, representing a cartoon moose named “Max”, were revealed at their groundbreaking event on July 15th. Little Antlers Learning Center’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 learning program, Little Antlers Learning Center will continue to provide the same level of high-quality childcare for which it built its reputation within the community.
To stay connected with the Little Antlers expansion project and learn more about their programs, visit our Learning Center page.
