Little Lyons Childcare in Emporia is set to expand its facilities to address the growing demand for childcare in Lyon County. The expansion includes the opening of additional classrooms, with plans to operate two infant rooms, two toddler rooms, and two pre-K classrooms. Director Serena Jeffrey announced that these new classrooms are expected to be ready in approximately one month.
Currently, Little Lyons operates from the south side of its facility, while construction continues on the north end of the building. The center, located at 19 Constitution Street, has been serving families since it opened in September 2024. The expansion is being carried out in phases, with the completion of the north side marking the second phase of the project. Although Jeffrey does not have a specific completion date, she anticipates that the entire project will be finished by 2026.
At present, Little Lyons Childcare serves 41 students, a number that is expected to nearly double with the new classrooms. The center currently has a waitlist, indicating a demand that has already outstripped its capacity. “The next three sets of classes, I’m just going to pull off of the waitlist, and they will go directly into the new classrooms,” Jeffrey explained.
Families are charged a weekly flat fee that covers up to 50 hours of care per week. This flexible schedule allows parents to choose when their children attend, although Jeffrey encourages families to establish consistent drop-off and pick-up times. “We really do encourage routine for the kiddos,” she stated, noting that consistency helps both children and staff.
Communication with families has become a strong point for Little Lyons, particularly through the use of the Brightwheel app. This digital tool allows staff to document daily activities and milestones for each child. “We document diaper changes, we document feedings, we document breakfast, lunch, and snack,” Jeffrey said, emphasizing the detailed record-keeping that parents can access.
The increasing waitlist reflects a more significant childcare shortage in Lyon County. “I definitely think so,” Jeffrey remarked. She noted that prospective parents are already seeking placements for children even before they are born, driven by concerns about returning to work without available childcare options.
Jeffrey credits both her dedicated staff and the newly renovated facility for attracting families to Little Lyons. “I have really great staff right now,” she said. “I think that our families really enjoy our staff and also our beautiful facility. Obviously, it’s brand new.” As the expansion progresses, Jeffrey and her team are poised to enhance the childcare landscape in Emporia, making it a vital resource for families in the community.
