The Our Southern Indiana region last week announced its awards through the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 (READI 2.0), allocating funding to projects in Scott and Washington counties to accelerate quality of place and foster vibrant communities.
In the Our Southern Indiana region, two developments are set to increase childcare availability for families with the support of READI 2.0 funding. Through these projects, the region is investing $2.7 million to make childcare more affordable and more accessible for residents.
•The John Hill Childcare Center at the Scott County Family YMCA ($1 million READI 2.0 allocation)
The Scott County Family YMCA will construct a new state-of-the-art daycare facility by converting an abandoned pool area into usable space. The new space will feature 10,000 square feet of renovated space, a 15,000-square-foot playground, an outdoor parking area, as well as supplemental multi-purpose and meeting space. The $2.85 million project, which is expected to be complete by January 2027, will add new childcare options in Scottsburg and the surrounding community, filling a critical gap in the area and increasing support for families.
•Washington County YMCA Child Care and Community Center ($1.7M READI 2.0 allocation)
The Washington County YMCA is launching a capital expansion project to meet critical childcare and recreational needs in the community. The $3.8 million investment will add a 7,000-square-foot childcare center with four classrooms, providing 50 new seats for children ages 0-3, and a 14,000-square-foot community center offering space for various sports and senior group exercises, as well as a dedicated youth and teen area. Construction is expected to begin in January 2025 and will take approximately 12-18 months to be completed.