In the News

The Bright Start Learning Center in Leadville announced Nov. 17 that it was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Bright Start is still awaiting formal details on the award before discussing how it will be used.

Bright Start is a nonprofit childcare center based in Leadville that serves children ages 1 through 7. Earlier this year, Bright Start applied for congressionally directed spending grants through the offices of Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Brittany Pettersen.

The grant is for capital expenditures, which Bright Start’s treasurer Megan Vinci said means it will go toward facility costs. Bright Start is currently located in the old Pitts Elementary School building, which is owned by the Lake County School District (LCSD) and also houses the LCSD offices and Cloud City High School.

Vinci said the building is old and its future is uncertain as LCSD goes forward with its reconsolidation efforts. She said the grant money could help Bright Start find a new home that is more stable than Pitts and could possibly also allow Bright Start to expand its childcare services.

Bright Start will not make a decision on where its home will be going forward or what it will do with the grant money until it knows more about the award requirements. Federal grant recipients are often required to spend their money within a certain time frame which could affect Bright

Start’s decision. Once Bright Start receives its official contract from the USDA, Vinci said, it will meet with other community partners to discuss the best use of the funds.

“It's a big win for Lake County and we're very excited to work with the community members to do what's best for the community,” Vinci said. “We very much look at it as a grant for Lake County, not just for Bright Start. A grant for Lake County to expand childcare.”

Bright Start is the only licensed childcare provider in Lake County that offers its services year-round. Vinci said there is a need for more toddler care and for infant care. She said having those services available will help retain Lake County families.