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April 5, 2023
OCONTO FALLS – Encompass, an early childhood education provider, is opening a new childcare center in Oconto Falls in 2024.
Missy Schmeling, Encompass executive director, said Oconto County is in what is known as a childcare desert – an area with little or no access to quality childcare.
“We worked hand-in-hand with local community and education leaders to make the opening of the center possible,” she said. “The new center will provide 140 childcare slots to the community.”
Schmeling said Encompass purchased a building at 650 E. Jackson St. that it will renovate to create the 14,000-square-foot center.
The center’s amenities will include:
Classrooms for infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, preschool and school ageState-of-the-art outdoor play areas to accommodate all agesCommunity Collaboration roomBest-in-class early childhood equipmentAmple green spaceA safe, welcoming environment for children to learn and grow
The nonprofit organization operates seven childcare centers in Green Bay, De Pere and Pulaski.
Schmeling said families have already approached Encompass about getting on a waiting list for the Oconto Falls facility.
To help renovate the building, Encompass received a $250,000 grant from Oconto County Public Health’s American Rescue Plan funding and is working on a grant with the City of Oconto Falls and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Schmeling said Encompass has also applied for additional grants and launched a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funding needed for the project.
She said the new center will employ a lead director, an associate director and look to hire more than 20 educators.
Schmeling said Encompass is excited to build capacity around early childhood opportunities and the impact that quality early education has on children, families, educators and the community.
