URGENT UPDATE: The former Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School in Wanamingo, Minnesota is set to undergo a major transformation into a daycare center, addressing the critical need for childcare in the community. Ruthie Welvemoed, the driving force behind this initiative, is eager to fill the void left by the school’s closure, with plans for a new facility named Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare and Activities Center.
The daycare aims to accommodate up to 103 children, offering care for infants, toddlers, and school-aged kids, with before and after school options. While an official opening date remains uncertain, Welvemoed is actively working on licensing with state authorities, marking this as a vital resource for families in the area.
“This is such a need in our area,” Welvemoed emphasized, highlighting the community’s demand for accessible daycare services. She noted that Wanamingo’s small-town charm attracts families, making it essential to provide support for working parents, especially with its convenient location near U.S. Highway 52.
The school district announced the closure of the Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School in January 2023 due to declining enrollment and the building’s aging infrastructure. By May 2023, plans for the sale of the building were approved, paving the way for this new chapter. Welvemoed’s family has stepped in to help manage repairs, including roofing issues, thanks to her uncle’s recent retirement from the roofing industry.
Community interest in Golden Days & Little Rays has been overwhelming, with waiting lists already forming. However, Welvemoed plans a gradual soft launch to ensure a smooth transition, allowing the center to adjust to its new environment.
Beyond childcare, Welvemoed envisions the center as a potential hub for intergenerational programs, bringing together younger children and senior citizens. “I have a really big heart for younger kids as well as for senior citizens,” she shared, expressing her desire to create a welcoming space for both groups.
As the licensing process unfolds, the urgency for this daycare center grows. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact it will have on local families, emphasizing the critical need for such facilities in smaller towns.
Stay tuned for further updates as Golden Days & Little Rays Daycare prepares to launch, promising a brighter future for Wanamingo’s families.
