The Colfax Economic Development Corporation is searching for a design team to create a $3.45 million child care center across from the elementary school in Colfax. The corporation has been awarded a $1,706,721 grant for the facility. The money is part of $14 million in new grant awards that Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Workforce Development announced last week, for businesses across the state to expand child care for their employees. The grant funds are from the state’s Child Care Business Incentive Grant, and must be used for the expansion or construction of new child care or daycare facilities.

Designers interested in preparing construction documents and providing construction administration services throughout the project are to submit the proper paperwork to Colfax-Mingo Superintendent Tim Salmon by 2 p.m. on January 20th. The selection of the designer is expected to occur at a special meeting prior to January 25th. Construction is scheduled to start in July, and the building is to be ready for use by June 2026. 

The new building is projected to have 9,500 square feet for daycare and 2,000 square feet for preschool. Colfax Economic Development Corporation says it will create an additional 100 daycare spots for the Colfax area. The building’s location across from the elementary school is expected to allow for an easy transition for both children and families as kids age into preschool and then elementary school. It also allows for shared use of a playground, parking, and food services.