The former Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School in Wanamingo, Minnesota, is set to transition into a day care center known as Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare and Activities Center. The new facility aims to address a significant need for child care in the community, as the region has seen increasing demand for such services.
Ruthie Welvemoed, the driving force behind the project, has been actively working to bring this vision to life. While the exact timeline for the center’s opening remains uncertain, Welvemoed expresses optimism that it will soon serve local families. “In our area, it’s such a need,” she stated, highlighting the importance of accessible day care for residents. The location, conveniently situated off U.S. Highway 52, positions it as a vital resource for families and commuters alike.
The school district made the decision to close the elementary school in January 2023, consolidating students under one roof due to declining enrollment and the building’s aging infrastructure. By May 2023, the district approved the sale of the property, paving the way for its new purpose. Welvemoed and her family have invested in the project, and they are tackling challenges such as the building’s aging roof. Welvemoed’s uncle, a recent retiree from the roofing industry, has stepped in to address these repairs.
As the new day care center awaits licensing approval from the state, it plans to accommodate up to 103 children. The facility will offer care for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including before- and after-school programs. Additionally, Golden Days & Little Rays will provide summer programming to keep children engaged during the break.
Community support for the initiative has been positive, with Welvemoed reporting waiting lists for enrollment as families express interest. Once operational, the center will implement a soft launch, gradually increasing its capacity rather than immediately reaching the maximum number of children.
Looking ahead, Welvemoed envisions the possibility of expanding the center’s offerings. She hopes to create a space where both children and senior citizens can come together for various programs. “I have a really big heart for younger kids as well as for senior citizens,” she commented. Although this aspect remains a future goal, it underscores her commitment to fostering community connections through the facility.
As Golden Days & Little Rays prepares to open its doors, it represents a promising new chapter for the community of Wanamingo, providing essential child care services and fostering intergenerational engagement.
