06/05/2026
Dear Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399 Community,
Last week, we shared an overview of our district’s facility conversations and the needs we are currently exploring as part of our long-term planning process. We are grateful for the thoughtful feedback that has already been provided and appreciate the continued engagement from our community.
One area that generated significant interest is the potential expansion of child-care opportunities within our district. Many families and community members expressed strong support for exploring how the district might play a larger role in providing accessible, high-quality child-care services.
As these conversations continue, we would like to highlight several ways a district-based child-care program could benefit our students, families, and community.
Supporting Working Families
Access to dependable child-care remains a challenge for many families. A district-based program could offer a convenient and trusted option located within the community, helping to reduce transportation challenges and simplify daily schedules.
Additionally, offering before-school and after-school care would provide families with greater flexibility. This support would allow parents to better balance work commitments while ensuring students are in a safe, structured environment beyond the regular school day.
Attracting and Retaining High-Quality Staff
Access to reliable child-care is also an important factor for many educators and school staff. Providing district-based child-care options could serve as a valuable benefit when recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and support personnel.
When staff members have access to convenient and dependable care for their own children, it can reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and allow them to be more fully present in their roles. In a competitive job market for educators, this type of support can strengthen the district’s ability to attract and retain talented professionals who are committed to serving our students.
Laying the Foundation for School Success
High-quality early childhood experiences play an important role in preparing children for success in school. These experiences support the development of academic, social, and emotional skills that are essential as children transition into preschool and elementary programs. Providing opportunities for children to engage with the school environment at an earlier age can help build familiarity, confidence, and stronger readiness when they begin their formal education.
Convenience for Families
Many families value having their children in one location throughout the day. A district-based program could allow families to access child-care, preschool, and before- and after-school services within the same setting as their child’s school. In addition to convenience, this model enhances safety. Access to district resources, including our School Resource Officer, would provide an additional layer of support and help ensure a secure environment for all children.
Facility Considerations
While there is clear interest in expanding child-care opportunities, our current facilities are not designed to support a dedicated child-care program or before- and after-school care at the level families need. Space limitations and building configurations make it difficult to provide these services in a way that meets safety, staffing, and programming expectations.
As part of our long-term planning process, a potential building addition could create the appropriate space needed to support a high-quality child-care program. This type of addition would allow the district to design spaces specifically for early childhood care and extended-day programming, rather than trying to adapt areas that were not originally intended for that purpose.
Strengthening Our Community
Communities that offer strong child-care options are often more attractive to young families. Expanding access to local child-care services can support workforce participation, encourage families to remain in the area, and contribute to the long-term strength and stability of our community.
Building Strong Connections Early
Providing services for children before they enter kindergarten creates opportunities for families to build relationships with our schools earlier. These early connections help foster trust, strengthen partnerships between families and the district, and support student success over time.
At this time, no decisions have been made related to these potential opportunities. We remain in the process of gathering information, listening to community feedback, and carefully exploring options that could positively impact our district now and into the future. We encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts, questions, and ideas by contacting us at [email protected] Additional opportunities for community input will be shared as this process moves forward.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we plan for the future of Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399.
– District Administration
