HomeMy WebLinkAboutYMCA re: Early Learning Center at 7th Haven - $100,000
February 9, 2023
County Administrator’s Office
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
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Re: Letter of Interest –ARPA Funding for YMCA Early Learning Center at 7Haven
Dear County Commissioners:
Based on the lack of available child care in our region, the Olympic Peninsula YMCA is partnering with OlyCap to
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establish an Early Learning Center at 7 Haven. The YMCA will be the operator of the Early Learning Center, which will
serve 33 children between the ages of three to five years.
Parents rely on child care to help them enter, re-enter, or remain in the workforce; the lack of available child care has
disproportionately impacted women’s ability to return and/or stay in the workforce. Current availability of licensed child
care in Jefferson County meets the need of less than 20% of children under six whose parents are in the workforce.
According to Washington State DCYF there are only 130 licensed child care slots available for the 645 children in our
community who need it – a gap of 515 slots. In addition to supporting the workforce, early childhood education benefits
children: it increases kindergarten preparedness so children start school ready to learn; and participation in a quality
early learning program lowers risk factors and improves health outcomes in adulthood. Every dollar spent on early
childhood development can yield up to a $16 return.
PROJECT BUDGET:
Construction ..................................................... $633,339.00
Soft Costs ............................................................ $59,071.00
Permits/Other ..................................................... $10,500.00
Classroom Equipment/Pre-Opening Costs.......... $75,000.00
TOTAL ............................................................. $777,910.00
FUNDING SOURCES:
Department of Commerce ................................ $511,632.00
Cross Charitable Foundation ............................... $50,000.00
TOTAL ............................................................. $561,632.00
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The current shortfall for the project is $216,278. The Early Learning Center at 7 Haven will not be able to open until all
construction, equipment, and pre-opening costs are covered. We are respectfully requesting $100,000 from Jefferson
County’s ARPA funds to be applied to the cost of this project.
Thank you for your consideration,
Wendy Bart
Chief Executive Officer
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OLYMPIC PENINSULA YMCA 675 N 5 AVE, STE 3A | SEQUIM, WA 98382| 360.452.9244 WWW.OLYMPICPENINSULAYMCA.ORG