Delaware Technical Community College last week held a groundbreaking ceremony this month for a new $7 million child development center on its Stanton Campus.
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and U.S. Rep. Lisa-Blunt Rochester joined college leaders in celebrating the $7 million project, which was funded from the federal American Rescue Plan funds.
“This project was made possible by the support of Senator Carper, Senator Coons, Representative Blunt-Rochester, Governor John Carney, and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long ,” said Mark Brainard, Delaware Tech president. “We sincerely appreciate the support they consistently give to the college, our students, and the community. When this project is complete, we will have child development centers on all of our four campuses.”
Delaware, like most states, faces a critical shortage of child care centers that was made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. The lack of child care has been cited as a factor in individuals not returning to the workforce.
The 11,000 square-foot center is scheduled operate as a licensed day care center in January 2025.
The center will consist of five classrooms for children ranging from infant to pre-kindergarten. A multi-purpose room will be surrounded by the classrooms and will allow children a place to play. Three playgrounds will be constructed outside.
