Addressing Pope County's Growing Childcare Shortage
Lakes Area Enrichment Center (LAEC) is building a new childcare facility in Glenwood, adding 76 licensed childcare seats to address Pope County's documented 200-seat shortage. The project is funded through a combination of federal, county, and private investment, with no school district funds used for construction.
Lakes Area Enrichment Center owns the facility and childcare business. Minnewaska Area Schools serves as the licensed operator and manager under a formal managing and licensing agreement with LAEC.
About the Project
The 6,730-square-foot facility will be located on property adjacent to Minnewaska Area Elementary School in Glenwood. It is designed to serve 76 children across three age groups: infants (6 weeks to 16 months), toddlers (16 to 33 months), and Pre-K (33 months - kindergarten). School-age before and after care will continue to be provided by Minnewaska Area Schools through its existing programming. The building will utilize the elementary school's commercial kitchen to provide meals for enrolled children.
Studio E Architects is leading the design with an intentional focus on maintaining a neighborhood-appropriate appearance while coordinating with the look and feel of the elementary school. Breitbach Construction is serving as Construction Manager with previous experience with USDA projects. The public bidding process is scheduled for June 2026.
A Community-Wide Approach to Childcare
The Pope County Early Childhood Hub is one part of a broader regional strategy, not a single solution. The hub is designed to work alongside in-home providers and other childcare options across the county, not replace them.
LAEC's current space on the lower level of WIN Academy in Starbuck will be repurposed as a childcare hub available to independent childcare providers. This site is separate from Glacial Hills childcare in Starbuck and is specifically intended to support independent providers rather than consolidate all childcare under a single location.
This approach reflects a shared commitment across Pope County to ensure families have access to reliable, quality childcare close to home.
Secured Funding
| Amount | Founding Source |
|---|---|
| $1,875,000 | USDA Community Facilities Grant - Reimbursement grant; environmental review complete |
| $1,000,000 | Pope County Investment - $500K construction + $500K operational startup |
| $1,050,000 | Private Business Partners - 9 partners committed; fully secured |
Private Business Partners
| Pledge | Partner |
|---|---|
| $100,000 | American Solutions for Business |
| $100,000 | American Diversity |
| $100,000 | Clyde Machines |
| $50,000 | Dental Health Services |
| $100,000 | Eagle Bank |
| $100,000 | FAST Global Solutions |
| $200,000 | Glacial Ridge Hospital |
| $200,000 | Glenwood Development Corporation (site purchase, home relocation, and site prep) |
| $100,000 | Glenwood State Bank |
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | City of Glenwood unanimously approved conditional use permit, variances, and lot line adjustment |
| April 20, 2026 | Minnewaska Area School Board presentation on updated Pope County Early Childhood Hub project; site parcel sale to Glenwood Development Corporation |
| May 2026 | Site preparation begins; house and extra garage moved off site |
| June 2026 | Public bidding process |
| July 2026 | Construction begins |
| March 1, 2027 | Grand Opening - Pope County Early Childhood Hub, Glenwood, serving 76 children |
| April 1, 2027 | Starbuck site repurposed as childcare hub, extending county-wide childcare network |