With childcare a big need in the community, another option will soon be added in Humboldt.
On Wednesday, the Prairie Roots Early Learning Centre held their grand opening which included a ribbon cutting ceremony, a fundraising BBQ, and a chance for some children to get a firsthand look at some of the toys and activities that will be offered.
President Alison Hinz said it has been over a year of work to get the facility up and running.
Last July, the first step was taken by completing a community needs assessment for the Government of Saskatchewan.
That was followed by the formation of the board for the Prairie Roots Early Centre and the planning began.
They were able to secure a building on Water Ridge Crescent, but with the facility formerly a gym, Hinz said renovations were needed to convert it into a building suitable for childcare.
After a winter securing permits, Hinz said they were able to begin with the modifications to the building in the spring which were mostly completed by the beginning of summer.
There a still few final touches that need to be completed according to Hinz, this includes installing doors for the bathroom stalls, finishing work on the gross motor sensory room, some landscaping and the addition of some outdoor play equipment.
Hinz says there is a definite need for additional childcare in the area.
“There’s a lot of young families in Humboldt and the community is always growing, especially with the new mines going up. I know for myself, I tried to get childcare for my son, the waitlist they told me it was going to be two years.”
43 spaces for childcare have been created with the incoming addition of the Prairie Roots Early Learning Centre.