The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house Aug. 5 for the Cumberland County Employee Childcare Center. The Center is located in the former Dorothy Spainhour School at 223 Hull Rd.

The Board of Commissioners directed County management to open a childcare center that would serve children of County staff. The childcare center is a response to a 2022 survey that revealed access to high-quality, affordable childcare was crucial for staff retention and recruitment.

The Cumberland County Employee Childcare Center project was funded by $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan, approved by the Board of Commissioners. The County solicited a Request for Proposal for a childcare provider in 2023. Track Out Kids, doing business as Little Makers Academy, was selected as the contracted provider. The provider will manage operations and licensing of the facility.

The County Employee Childcare Center can accommodate approximately 150 children, from ages six weeks to five years. Future plans include before and after-school care, second shift care and 24-hour care for departments like Emergency Services 911 and the Sheriff’s Office.

“Our employees are the backbone of our great County government,” said Chairman Glenn Adams in a press release. “We value our employees. They are like family. We constantly look for ways to ensure they are not only appreciated for their hard work, dedication and expertise, but are also adequately compensated. We asked, ‘what can we do for our County Employees?’ and we came up with the vision of the Employee Childcare Center.” 

“This will give parents peace of mind and reassurance that their precious ones are in good hands, while they help carry out the important work of Cumberland County,” said Vice Chairwoman Toni Stewart in a press release. “I believe this Cumberland County Childcare Center will help attract top talent to our team of dedicated public servants.”