Project

Western Kansas Community

Daycare Start Up Supplies & Equipment

Status:

Active

Town:

Cimarron

Mastermind County Priority:

Community Health

Contact:

Mike Waters

Email:

mwaters@cimarronschools.net

Organization Name:

Blue Jay Education Foundation

Proposal Summary

The Daycare Start Up project, supported by Bluejay Education Foundation for USD #102 Cimarron-Ensign school district, aims to establish a high-quality childcare center for children aged 0-5. The center will accommodate 20 children and focus on providing a safe, nurturing environment that supports cognitive, physical, and social development. Key equipment includes furniture, educational materials, safety supplies, kitchen items, and play equipment. The program emphasizes individualized care, diversity, and inclusivity, with the ultimate goals of preparing children for kindergarten and supporting school district employees by offering comprehensive childcare services.

Community Impact & Accomplishments To-Date

The Bluejay First Flight Daycare Center will use a structured system to measure and evaluate progress toward project goals, ensuring each objective is met. Key evaluation methods include: Developmental Assessments: Biannual assessments and regular observations using developmental checklists will track milestones in cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. Parent and Caregiver Feedback: Quarterly surveys and monthly feedback sessions with parents will gauge program satisfaction and perceived child progress, helping tailor activities to meet children’s needs. Behavioral Observations: Teachers will conduct daily observations on social and emotional skills like empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation, recording insights for review in staff meetings to adjust strategies as needed. School Readiness Tracking: Simple assessments for children nearing kindergarten will focus on readiness indicators such as early literacy, numeracy, and self-help skills, with progress shared with parents. Health and Safety Logs: Daily logs of health practices, hygiene routines, and safety drills will be reviewed monthly for consistency and to identify improvements. This comprehensive approach will allow Bluejay First Flight Daycare to evaluate and refine its methods, ensuring goals are met for each child’s development and well-being.

Why Do You Think This Project Is Necessary?

Daycare is a critical need in Southwest Kansas, where many families rely on dual incomes and where agricultural and essential industries often demand nontraditional work hours. Access to affordable, quality childcare supports working parents, promotes early childhood development, and helps stabilize the local economy by allowing more people to participate in the workforce. With a growing population and limited licensed providers, expanding daycare options is essential to meet community needs and ensure all children have a strong, healthy start.

Collaborative Partners

Stevens Co. Medical Foundation Parsons Foundation Stevens Co. Foundation

People Working On The Project

No results found.

Start Date

January 6, 2025

End Date

September 30, 2025

Grant Awarded Received

$15,000

Cities

Cimarron

Contact Organizer

Mike Waters
mwaters@cimarronschools.net

Western Kansas

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