The Paton-Churdan Early Learning Center (PC ELC) is getting closer to their fundraising deadline, but need more support to construct its proposed new facility. In 2025, PC ELC launched a fundraising initiative to raise $2 million to build a new 6,500 square foot building located west of the Paton-Churdan Community School District in Churdan. According to PC ELC Board President Cassie Fiedler, the center currently operates out of a temporary building that was placed on the district ground in 1999, and has become a financial burden to the school with an outdate HVAC system, and structural wear that increases health and safety risks. The Paton-Churdan District is planning to remove the temporary building prior to the 2026-27 school year and if the $2 million goal is not met, the PC ELC could face closure as the new facility would not be constructed in time and it would fall short of the requirements for the $600,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The new building will allow care to expand from 52 to over 70 kids and offer an easier transition from the daycare into the school with the partnership between the two entities. As of last week, PC ELC has surpassed the $1.6 million mark, having $52,000 in pledges last week, but still have a little way to go. Anyone interested in donating can reach out to PC ELC Director Whitney Minnehan at 515-389-3129 or emailing at pcelc.director@gmail.com.
