Day care opens in Granum School

By Rob Vogt
Families returning to Granum School yesterday were greeted by a new addition – a day care.
Caitlyn Leader, who operates a day care in Fort Macleod, was approached a few months ago by the school’s parent council and Principal Randy Bohnet.
Initially, she was asked if she could provide after-school care.
When she toured the school, they talked about the potential of a day care in the back part of the school.
So, Leader wrote a proposal to the school division and parent council.
Once that was approved, planning and preparation started in March and April.
The necessary permits were secured and the facility passed its final inspection two weeks ago.
“There is a very, very big need for child care,” Leader said.
She noted the need is greater in rural communities, which is part of the reason she is at Granum School.
“I wanted to help support the school, community, and parent council,” Leader said, adding she wanted to keep the school viable and open.
Families with children 19 months to the start of Grade 1 are welcome at the day care. There is a before and after-school care program for children ages six to 12. There is also a full-day Friday for school-age children, because Granum School has no classes Fridays, and the day care operates through holidays, except statutory ones.
The facility is licensed for 12 toddlers, that is 19 months to three years of age; 12 children five to six years of age; 20 before and after school care spaces; for a total capacity of 44 spaces.
“We can handle quite a few students,” Leader said.
She stressed subsidy and affordability grants are available as well.
“The rural program needs to be sustainable,” Leader said.
More information is available at https://www.littleleaderslearnandplay.com/
The day care was set to open on Tuesday, Sept. 3.