Rural Resources seeks childcare provider in Colville

 Due to ongoing staffing shortages and rising operational costs, Rural Resources recently made the difficult decision to cease operations of the Smart Start Learning Center in Colville, located at 706 S Elm St (across the street from Yep Kanum Park). 

Rural Resources operated Smart Start as a program under [Funding Source], which included specific requirements and associated costs. Independent childcare providers may have different operational structures and cost considerations, and we recognize that another provider may be well positioned to continue childcare services at this location. We understand how important accessible childcare is to our community, and we are committed to supporting another provider in filling the gap created by Smart Start’s closure. 

We are seeking a local childcare provider interested in taking over operations at the Smart Start building through a no-cost sublease. Rural Resources currently holds an active lease for the building with the U.S. Forest Service and is offering the space to a new childcare provider. [Is there an expiration date on this offer?]

Interested parties should either be a licensed childcare provider or be willing to become licensed through Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families. If licensure has not yet been obtained, Rural Resources can provide guidance and leverage our ongoing relationship with DCYF to expedite the licensing process as much as possible. The Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) is available to provide business planning and financial resources, if needed. 

If you are interested in subleasing the Smart Start building as a licensed childcare provider, please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you. We plan to offer an open house at the Smart Start building for interested parties.