Little Paws Day Care to Open in Selden

Golden Plains School will be opening their Little Paws Day Care center on Monday August 3.  They will hold an open house on Monday, July 27, from 5:30-7:30 pm.  Visitors will be able to tour the building and meet the providers. 

There are a total of 12 slots available with 3 full-time providers.  At this time all but 6 are taken with 6 openings still available.  Educational activities will be planned daily along with breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack served for children. 

Providers are Shanice Falls, primary provider, along with caregivers Brianna Stoll and Katie Koerperich.  Brandy Spresser is the director.  The center is operated by the Golden Plains USD #316 school district at 207 W. Sixth Street in Selden.

The center was started August of 2019 by elementary teacher Brandy Spresser with the support of the school board.  She wrote and received a grant from the Dane G. Hansen for $118,810 with was used to purchase the building and construction where the day care center is located.  The school already owned the property from a previous arrangement with the City of Selden.

 Additional funding for the day care center was provided by more grants written by Spresser.  These funds included:

o   Sheridan County Community Foundation--$9400.36 used for fencing, sod, and essential household items.

o   Midwest Energy--$500, used for kitchen equipment

o   Pete Henry Foundation--$10,000, for furnishings and additional start up costs.

Additional funding to operate the day care center may be provided by the school district if necessary,” said Charles Keller, Superintendent.  “The School Board and Administration believe that there exists a serious need for childcare in the community and therefore were excited to pursue this project.  This addition to the school community has always been seen as a need and when the opportunity to put one in place came up we were able to utilize the generous gifts of several foundations and local community members. We were able to design a facility that should be self-sufficient and cost effective. A local daycare facility can ensure healthy enrollment in our schools and aid in retention and recruitment of staff. 

“It was necessary to create a day care center in our community,” said Spresser, “due to the lack of child care services in our area.  The closest center was 20 miles away—if you could get a spot.  Many of those are closing so it was important to have these services to our school staff and working parents.”

Donations of toys & puzzles, baby equipment, craft supplies, outside toys, clothing and other supplies, came from community members and alumni.  “This has helped to stock the center with activities and supplies for the children,” continued Spresser.  “We appreciate the organizations and individuals that have provided funding and made donations to create the day care center,” continued Spresser.  “We also appreciate the school board and administration for their continued support of this project. It wouldn’t exist without the cooperation of all these entities.”

            If interested in a spot in the Little Paws Day Care Center, or to donate additional items, contact Brandy Spresser at 785-443-5619 or bspresser @usd316.org.