CCIU gets $1M in funding to build new Toddler Center

CALN » The Chester County Immediate Unit 24 has been awarded $1 million in state funding to construct a new Toddler Center in Caln Township.

State Rep. Dan Williams said the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will help to demolish the existing Toddler Center in order to construct a new, expanded building.

“As representative of the 74th district, the welfare and education of our children is one of my top priorities,” Williams said. “This new, bigger Toddler Center will be able to care for more of Caln Township’s children, and so more children will benefit from early education, which studies have shown pays significant developmental dividends for years to come. This is state grant money being invested where it can have the greatest impact — supporting our children’s welfare and development.”

The new, expanded Toddler Center will be approximately 2,500 square feet and have a 20-space parking lot, sidewalks, handicapped access and student drop-off area. The new center will include three classrooms, separate rooms for adults and children, kitchen area and storage. The building will be equipped with fire alarm and suppression systems, security systems and internet connectivity. A playground will be constructed adjacent to the building and improvements to surrounding grounds and spaces will be made.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.