In 2021, the Sheridan County Community Foundation began efforts to help address the need for additional childcare providers in Sheridan County. The Foundation decided to build and furnish a facility in Hoxie that can assist two new private childcare providers in opening their businesses serving families in need of childcare services in the county.
The Foundation, led by Executive Director Karl Pratt, pursued grant and local government funding to construct a two-unit duplex facility for these purposes. Land was donated by Sheridan County on which to construct the facility. Grant funds assisted in the construction costs of the facility as well as landscaping and outdoor play and parking areas in addition to interior furnishings including appliances, furniture, and start-up supplies. The Foundation created “SCCF Properties LLC” to hold ownership and manage the property and duplex facility.
Project funders include Sheridan County ($100k ARPA fund/land donation), Dane G. Hansen Foundation ($200k), Patterson Family Foundation ($85k), Sheridan County Community Foundation ($10k), and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet ($200k).
The duplex facility was constructed by Bainter Construction. Campbell Construction has been selected to complete the backyard play areas which will each feature a fully fenced backyard, grassy area with underground sprinklers, a turf area, and rubber fall zone under the play equipment. Outdoor seating and a storage shed will also be included in each backyard play area.
Completion of the backyard areas is tentatively slated for mid- to late-Summer 2024.
The Foundation is seeking two candidates interested in housing their respective daycare businesses in the new facility.
The tenants/childcare providers must be or become fully licensed for childcare services and continue to adhere to all rules and regulations as required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in order to lease space within our facility. Tenants/childcare providers must also operate their respective businesses at or as close to full capacity as allowed by KDHE regulations to ensure maximum impact of leasing the facility for daycare purposes. Furthermore, tenants/childcare providers must agree and adhere to all requirements and provisions as set forth in the rental agreement.
Rental rates and additional details regarding the project as well as the application form and timeline can be found online at www.growsheridancounty.org/daycareduplex.
For consideration of tenancy, the Foundation has asked interested applicants to complete the online application by April 15, 2024. An in-person interview will be scheduled with all eligible candidates prior to the Foundation making lease offerings to two new private childcare providers.
Interested candidates wishing to tour the duplex facility and/or ask questions prior to applying can contact Sheridan County Community Foundation Executive Director at Karl Pratt 785-675-1240 or director@growsheridancounty.org to schedule a viewing.
SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-675-1240, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.