Construction & Fundraising for our new building
Riverview Early Childhood Center, built in 1956, has aged
and we are in need of a new, larger space to continue
our mission while expanding child care and educational
opportunities for years to come. Our goal is to raise
$6.5M for the construction/renovation of a new facility to
continue providing services.
The Riverview Board of Directors mission is to fund this
project with a combination of public and private support.
There are several public grants and funds available at the
Federal, State, and local level which we will be working to
secure. To promote private donations, Riverview will be
offering naming rights to certain areas of the new daycare
center on a first come – first serve basis. The new center
will also feature a “Friends of Riverview” wall to thank
anyone who contributes.
Our up-to-date modern facility with more space for
additional children is the logical remedy. We’re ready
with loyal staff, a director with 25+ years of experience,
assistant director with 20+ years of experience plus a
board willing to put in the work to accomplish our dream.
Financial Stability
The Riverview Board recently partnered with First Children’s Finance who specializes in increasing the supply and sustainability of childcare. FCF provided financial training as well as a full market analysis of the Webster City Area. A full business plan was developed showing the long term viability of a new center makes sense.
For more information visit www.firstchildrensfinance.org/iowa/
The future of Riverview
The Need Is Urgent
Riverview Early Childhood Center in Webster City has provided quality services for families since 1988. The building has aged and we are in need of a new, larger space to continue our mission while expanding childcare and educational opportunities for years to come. Our goal is to raise $6.5 M for the construction/renovation of a new facility to continue providing services.
The building has reached the end of its useful life. Maintenance and repairs are becoming more frequent and costly. The waiting list of parents is almost 3 years. How can we prepare for the future? Our up-to-date modern facility with more space for additional children is the logical remedy. We’re ready with loyal staff, a director with 25 years of experience plus a board willing to put in the work to accomplish our dream.
Imagine moving to a new community for your dream job and then you find out all the daycares are full! We want to help with that.
Help For Working Families
According to the US Census bureau, as of 2020 83% of families with children ages 0-5 had all parents working, while 68% of families with children ages 6-17 had all parents working. All parents working means if there are two parents living in the home they both work, or if the child lives with a single parent that parent is working. The current number of children to childcare slots in WC is roughly 3:1. Businesses are having difficulty recruiting new employees and struggling to fill vacancies. Even with the promise of a new job and local amenities, workers with children find it difficult to move to a new home if they can not find daycare options. It is also extremely difficult to recruit new businesses to the area without adequate daycare centers.
W.C. Needs More Daycare
As of 2020, the US Census Bureau estimates there were 940 children ages 0 to 9 in Webster City, and an additional 643 ages 10 to 14. Among families with children under the age of 18, as of 2020 83% of households with children ages 0 to 5, and 68% of households with children ages 6 to 17 had all parents in the labor force. As of November 2022, there were 9 DHS-regulated programs with 403 spaces in Webster City, and only 284 of those spaces are available for full-time, year-round care.
A New Facility Helps Meet The Need
Riverview Early Childhood Center is currently operating a childcare center located in a former elementary school building at 705 Odell Street. That facility is licensed with Iowa DHS for a total of 98 spaces. The program has outgrown the current building and is ready to move to a larger facility. The new facility will consist of 12 classrooms and is expected to be licensed for 168 children. The expected opening date of the new facility is January 2026.
Our board has a fully detailed business plan which models out the new daycare's expenses and revenue over the first 5 years. It is a sustainable model and can cash flow itself while providing additional spaces.
Benefits for the community
A New State-Of-The-Art Facility
Spacious classrooms, multi-purpose indoor gym that can be split in two, tornado shelter, sprinkler system, future room for expansion.
We will have two individualized playgrounds for different age groups. These will have safety surfacing and fencing to make sure each child can play safely.
The new facility will create 10-12 additional jobs with competitive wages.
We are currently licensed for 98 spaces. The new facility will consist of 12 classrooms and is expected to be licensed for 168 children.
This 6 acre parcel was provided by Webster City to show their commitment to helping provide additional daycare options to our community.
The new center will include security features such as a key fob system with locked door policy.
Timeline
FAQ
How can I contact you about this project?
Please send an email to [email protected] or call 515-520-7336.
Will sledding be allowed on Hospital Hill?
Yes. There will still be public sledding as in the past.
How can I donate?
Donation information can be found on the “Fundraising” page.
What our supporters have to say
"Riverview was a great fit for our family. As a parent I felt good about leaving my kids in the care of the Riverview staff knowing that they were safe, having fun and also learning throughout the day. Riverview really does put the children first."
Erika Cornelison
Parent