Lander was grappling with a shortage of quality childcare and licensed preschool options long before the pandemic saw four early childhood providers shutter operations. With parents scrambling in 2020, the volunteers and staff at Apple Valley School wanted to help. Apple Valley, which serves children up to first grade, had been operating out of a local church, where it could accommodate up to 19 youngsters per day. But to meet the demands of Lander families, the school needed to increase its capacity. That meant securing a bigger facility—and ensuring that facility met the state’s rigorous licensing guidelines. After purchasing a larger building, staff at the school put together an ambitious three-part renovation plan to turn the facility into a safe, nurturing space for Lander’s youngest residents. Funding from LOR was used for the first phase of the renovation, which included making significant structural changes necessary for licensure. With those renovations covered, Maureen was able to garner additional support from local businesses, city government, and volunteers to make further improvements to the building and the outdoor space.
This project was fiscally sponsored by the Lander Community Foundation.
