Ready to break ground for a $760,000 renovation and expansion of the Maine Mountain Children’s House are, from left, Emily Yearwood, board chairwoman, Chris Parks, building and grounds coordinator, contractor Pete Neal, Executive Director Bethany Mahar, and Assistant Director Dani Bateman. Contributed photo

Maine Mountain Children’s House, a Kingfield-based nonprofit child care center, officially broke ground on a $760,000 renovation and expansion project May 3.

The project will more than double the center’s available slots for children, meeting the needs of the continually growing waiting list, according to a news release.

In 2018, Maine Mountain Children’s House shifted gears to make space for a toddler-age classroom; the current growth aims to triple the space available in the toddler classroom with the construction of a 1,000-square-foot addition to the south side of the building. Additionally, $150,000 will go toward the renovation and reenvisioning of the primary and kindergarten classroom. Plans include an added full-length ramp at the entrance of the building for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, updated boiler and HVAC systems for greater energy efficiency, and replacement of the roof, windows and siding of the building.

Students at Maine Mountain Children’s House helped break ground last week on the expansion and renovation of their school.

The project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2024 school year in the fall. Of the $760,000 budget, $250,000 was awarded through a vigorous federal pandemic relief grant process administered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. and the Childcare Infrastructure Grant. The grant was specifically made available to child care centers looking to increase capacity by at least 50%.

For more information, visit mainemountainchildrenshouse.org

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