WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – We are excited to share that the final West Lafayette Early Childhood Education Report is now available. This report marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the community’s needs for early childhood education.
Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with local public schools, city leaders, education professionals, university researchers, and community members. Together with APA Consulting, we evaluated the current demand for early childhood education in West Lafayette.
The report highlights locations, costs, and policies that will help us address a shortage of early childhood education slots, particularly for infants. We’ve identified a gap of 75 to 125 slots, focusing on the immediate needs while planning for future expansion. This report is the result of a thoughtful, collaborative process aimed at ensuring our youngest learners have access to the quality education they deserve. We’re building excitement for what comes next as we meet today’s needs and plan for tomorrow.
Next Steps
This report provides a clear roadmap for the future. Our next steps include the potential design phase of a new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center. While we haven’t begun the formal design process yet, the report lays the groundwork for us to start the architectural and engineering phase as early as 2025. We’re committed to taking a fiscally responsible approach, ensuring that the center meets the community’s current needs while allowing room for growth.
Public involvement is a priority throughout this process. We will continue to hold public meetings to gather input and maintain transparency as we move forward. We encourage you to bookmark wlmoves.com to stay updated on the project’s progress or sign up for alerts.
Why This Project Matters
This report emphasizes the critical need for more childcare and early learning options in West Lafayette. As our city continues to grow, especially on the north side, the demand for early childhood education will rise. Addressing this need is vital for our long-term success, supporting families, and developing a skilled future workforce.
The potential ECE center also aligns with our community’s economic growth. The recent announcement of SK hynix’s advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility highlights the importance of early childhood education in workforce development. With SK hynix receiving CHIPS Act funding, they are required to support early childhood education, either on their own or in collaboration with us. This partnership will further enhance the region’s development.
Looking Ahead
As we consider the next steps, excitement is growing around the potential development of a new ECE center. We remain committed to ensuring that families have access to high-quality early childhood education services. We will continue working diligently to turn the insights from this report into actionable steps that benefit our community for years to come.
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Contact: Development
Phone: 765-775-5160
Email: [email protected]