Clackamas County Children's Commission (ClackCoKids) has purchased two new early learning centers in Milwaukee and Gladstone and is leasing a third new facility in Lake Oswego, an expansion made possible by generous funding of $5.42 million from the Oregon Legislature and $7.76 million from the Office of Head Start.
“We are honored by the generosity of the Oregon Legislature and Head Start Office in helping us serve more children and families in our area,” said Darcee Kilsdonk, Executive Director of ClackCoKids. “We are especially grateful for the support we've received from our community partners, Senate President Robert Wagner, Assemblyman Daniel Nguyen, Senator Mark Meeks and the Head Start Office Region 10. Their assistance allows us to continue our publicly funded services and efforts to eliminate poverty and address child care deserts in Clackamas County.”
The Milwaukee facility is a former YMCA childcare center at 2992 SE Monroe St. Once renovated, it will have five new classrooms and two new play areas and will be able to accommodate approximately 60 additional children. They are currently working with architect Tim Richard of TJR Studios and their consultants to develop documentation to select a contractor in a closed bid process in late fall, with the goal of completing the project by July 2025.
The second location is at 17395 Webster Road in Gladstone. The facility will have five new classrooms and two new play areas and will be able to accommodate an additional 60 children. The facility is still in the planning stages, with bids expected to go out in January or February 2025, with the project expected to be completed by July 2025.
“The final facility will be located on our Marylhurst campus in Lake Oswego and will have at least five classrooms, two new playgrounds and a community space where we can partner with the children's center and the Department of Social Services to provide services. The goal is to enhance parenting and reunification efforts and provide a space for partners to meet and collaborate. Our goal is to complete the renovations at Marylhurst and open the center in the spring of 2025.”
“Finding a property that meets federal Head Start performance standards and Child Welfare Administration regulations and is located in an area with one of the largest waiting lists is a great opportunity for CrackkoKids,” Kilsdonk said.
For more information, visit www.clackcokids.org
Source: Clackamas County