UPDATE: The former Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School is set to transform into a much-needed daycare center, with plans rapidly progressing under the leadership of Ruthie Welvemoed. The facility, to be known as Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare and Activities Center, aims to address an urgent demand for childcare in the Wanamingo community.
Welvemoed is working diligently to finalize licensing with the state, although an exact opening date remains uncertain. Once operational, the daycare will accommodate 103 children, divided by age groups, including infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. Care will also be available before and after school hours, which is crucial for busy families in the area.
“This is such a need in our community,” Welvemoed said. With its strategic location right off U.S. Highway 52, she believes the daycare will serve as a vital hub for families in the region. The school district’s decision to close the building earlier this year, coupled with a declining student enrollment and an aging roof, opened the door for this new initiative.
In January 2023, the district announced the closure of the school and consolidated students under one roof. By May, they approved the sale of the property, which had been unoccupied since the school year ended. The aging infrastructure posed challenges, but Welvemoed’s family—particularly her uncle, a retired roofing professional—has stepped in to address these issues, allowing the project to move forward.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with Welvemoed noting that there are already waiting lists for enrollment. “We’ve received a really great welcoming from the community about this idea,” she emphasized. However, she plans to implement a soft launch, gradually increasing the number of children as the center settles in.
Looking ahead, Welvemoed envisions a space that could evolve beyond just childcare. She has aspirations for intergenerational programs that connect young children with senior citizens, emphasizing her passion for both demographics. “I have a really big heart for younger kids as well as for senior citizens,” she explained.
While this future vision remains in the planning stages, the immediate focus is on getting Golden Days & Little Rays operational. As the licensing process unfolds, families in Wanamingo are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this exciting new resource, which promises to enhance community life in ways that extend well beyond childcare alone.
Residents are eagerly awaiting the day when the doors open, marking a new chapter for the former school building and reinforcing the importance of accessible childcare in small communities. The urgency of this development highlights a growing trend across many regions, emphasizing the need for local solutions to family support challenges.
