Southeast Iowa child care centers receive state funds for expansion

QUINCY (WGEM) - Two Southeast Iowa child care centers, Busy Bee Childcare and Inertia Boy’s and Girl’s Center Inc. have been chosen to receive state funds to expand as part of the 2022 Future Ready Iowa Child Care Grant, according to Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber reported Busy Bee Childcare in Donnellson, Iowa, was awarded $200,000. They are planning to build a new child care center that will increase capacity for the center by 38 child care slots, which includes 8 infant slots.

According to the chamber, Busy Bee also plans to increase their hours of operation to better serve families. Their plan also includes the option for families to purchase ready-made meals and a selection of freezer meals to help parents with busy schedules. Busy Bee also plans to partner with local businesses to offer sponsorship options to reserve a certain number of spots for their employees.

The chamber added, Inertia Boy’s and Girl’s Center Inc. in Keokuk, Iowa was awarded $191,048. They plan to make renovations and upgrades to existing facilities. These renovations will increase their compacity by 8-10 children.