The Bolivar School District is set to expand its Early Childhood Learning Center to accommodate more families, thanks to $3 million in state funding.
The Polk County district plans to build an addition to the center, increasing its capacity to enroll more children from Bolivar. The new space will feature additional classrooms, training areas, and other resources.
Governor Mike Parson, a Polk County native, praised the project, noting that the new facility will address the growing childcare needs in the area while preparing students for kindergarten.
“Child care and early childhood learning are areas where we know we must do better as a state,” Parson said in a statement. “This partnership with Bolivar schools will improve early childhood education and access. Quality programs like this are essential not only for the success of our children but also for meeting workforce development goals.”
The expansion also includes a collaboration with Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), which is developing a formal partnership to offer college-level coursework at the center. OTC’s well-established early childhood development program, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, will be a key part of the new initiative.
Bolivar School District Superintendent Michael Methvin expressed excitement about the project, calling it a significant step forward for education in the region.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the State of Missouri to bring this transformative opportunity to our community,” Methvin said. “This project will not only strengthen our Early Childhood Learning Center but also serve as a crucial investment in the future of education here. We’re grateful to Governor Parson and the state legislature for their support.”
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