The building design for a $3.45 million child care center across from the elementary school in Colfax is nearly complete. Colfax-Mingo Superintendent Tim Salmon says the project’s timeline still has construction getting underway this summer, with the facility being completed in June of next year.

Colfax Economic Development Corporation was awarded a $1,706,721 grant for the combined daycare and preschool. The money is part of $14 million in grant awards that Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Workforce Development dedicated for businesses statewide 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. Superintendent Salmon notes the district still needs to raise some matching funds, and anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation should visit www.cedcoiowa.com.

The new building is expected 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.