North Thurston School Board Approves Young Child Family Center to Address Child Care Needs

The North Thurston Public Schools board has made a pivotal decision by approving the schematic designs for a new Young Child & Family Center in Lacey, aimed at addressing a pressing need for child care in the area. This center, expected to serve 600 children aged 3-5, will be strategically located north of Nisqually Middle School, with a budget of $41. 6 million sourced from a capital levy approved by local voters. The initiative involves a partnership among North Thurston Public Schools, South Sound YMCA, and the city of Lacey, highlighting a collaborative approach to enhancing early childhood education and community resources. The center will feature 18 classrooms dedicated to pre-K learning, with potential for expansion, and will also include community amenities such as a splash pad and recreation center.

The urgent need for child care has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the closure of numerous childcare facilities, leaving many working parents struggling. According to the state Department of Children, Youth & Families, much of the area is classified as an "extreme childcare access desert. " Board President Gretchen Maliska noted the vital role educational institutions can play in alleviating this crisis. The Young Child & Family Center is projected to open its doors in fall 2027, marking a significant advancement in local childcare services.