The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center will continue serving local families after securing a temporary location ahead of its current lease expiration.
KILJ recently spoke with Mount Pleasant Childcare Center Board President Matt Barton about the future of the facility. The childcare center was founded by a group of community leaders in 2020 and officially opened in July of 2021 at its current location, the former Family Video building at 304 West Washington Street.
That lease is set to expire at the end of February, requiring the center to find an alternative location that meets state licensing requirements and remains financially sustainable. Barton says the center will not be closing and will continue offering all current services.
With the help of community partners—particularly the City of Mount Pleasant—the childcare center has secured a temporary location adjacent to Cottrell Gym. The move will allow the center to maintain operations while leaders work toward a long-term solution that balances state regulations, staffing needs, and overall sustainability.
The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center currently serves approximately 30 families and employs between four and six full-time staff members, along with several part-time employees. Many of the part-time workers are high school students exploring careers in childcare or education.
In addition to daytime care, the center will continue its after-school programming Monday through Friday at Harlan Elementary School. Transportation is provided through the school district, with programming running from 3:10 to 5:30 each afternoon.
Barton emphasized that the temporary move ensures continuity of care for families while discussions continue regarding a permanent location that meets long-term needs.