In the heart of Dubuque, Iowa, a new childcare and early-learning center named New Horizon Academy has recently opened its doors. This facility is offering a convenient childcare solution for downtown working parents. Molly Dennie, a training specialist at Cottingham & Butler, expresses her relief and trust in having such a high-quality facility close by. The center is primarily aimed at employees of Cottingham & Butler but is also open to the public with priority given to company staff. With space for up to 202 children ranging from six weeks to five years, the center aims to address the child care shortage in Dubuque County, where demand significantly outpaces supply.

Convenient Care in Downtown Dubuque

Set against the backdrop of a bustling urban landscape, Dubuque now boasts a state-of-the-art childcare facility nestled within easy reach of many workplaces. Located just blocks away from Cottingham & Butler's downtown offices, the newly established New Horizon Academy provides a lifeline for busy professionals like Molly Dennie. As a working mother, Dennie finds solace in knowing she can quickly visit her children during the day, ensuring her peace of mind while at work. The academy not only prioritizes Cottingham & Butler employees but also extends its services to the broader community, albeit with discounted rates for company staff. Under the leadership of Director Christina Berger, the center currently employs 16 staff members, with plans to expand its team to accommodate up to 202 children. Berger emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that feels like a second home for the children.

Spanning two floors, the facility features over a dozen classrooms, dedicated spaces for nursing mothers, and an expansive STEAM room upstairs. Parents like Dennie appreciate the app-based updates on their children’s activities, including meal times, diaper changes, and engaging educational moments. Such transparency strengthens the bond between parents and caregivers, fostering trust and collaboration. According to Alex Baum, Director of Advocacy, Data and Learning at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, this new center represents progress towards addressing the significant child care gap in the county, though more facilities are still needed to fully meet the diverse needs of families.

While centers like New Horizon Academy alleviate some pressure, the demand for affordable childcare remains high, particularly among working-class professionals and low-income single mothers juggling multiple jobs. Offering comprehensive care for infants through grade-school aged children is crucial to supporting the entire community.

From a journalist's perspective, the establishment of New Horizon Academy signifies a promising step forward in tackling the pressing issue of child care accessibility in Dubuque. It highlights the importance of partnerships between businesses and communities to create supportive environments for families. By investing in quality childcare, cities like Dubuque can enhance workforce participation and overall family well-being, proving that small steps today can lead to substantial improvements tomorrow.