While that’s long gone, the theme carries on at the new Linking Families and Communities facility.

“I call it ‘SEEDS,'” said Elizabeth Stanek, executive director. “We’re going with a theme, the classrooms are Sprouts, Buds, Seedlings and Blossoms.”

On Saturday, the newly minted school was opened for tours following a Fort Dodge Growth Alliance ribbon cutting.

“This has been months of very busy days,” Stanek said. “I’m happy to be part of it.”

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Elizabeth Stanek, executive director for Linking Families and Communities, cuts the ribbon Saturday morning for the new Sprouts Early Education & Development School in Fort Dodge. Board member Rev. Nicholas Thackery is all smiles to her right.

She said there’s a very real need in the community for child care in the area, especially for children under 5.

“There’s about three children that need care for every spot available,” she said.

By the numbers, the day care will have room for 71 children ages six weeks to 12 years, will employ 10 to 16 people and be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We’re trying to cover the 12-hour day shift,” she said.

A full kitchen will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. There is also a nursing room. Each classroom has its own exit to the fenced outdoor playing area. The entry is secure with an electronic entry system.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Webster County Supervisor Bob Thode looks over one of the rooms in the new Sprouts Early Education & Development School Saturday morning during a ribbon cutting and open house event.

Stanek is grateful for the Linking Families and Communities board members who worked to make the school project a reality, as well as for the donations from the community that helped fund it.

She said it’s going to help the community.

“We need to do better for our kids so our kids are ready for life,” she said.

She said they are currently taking applications and accepting childcare assistance.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Cera Atchison, of Webster City, makes balloon animals in the "Seedlings" room at the new Sprouts Early Education & Development School Saturday morning. She was on hand to greet visitors touring the facility during an open house.