The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded a $240,000 grant to God’s Treasures Childcare Learning Center of Winthrop. God’s Treasures was one of 25 child care organization in Minnesota the receive a grant. A total of $6.1 million was give to child cares across the state. God’s Treasures in Winthrop is one of the newer child cares. It officially opened in June 2024. Submitted photo

WINTHROP – Last June, the God’s Treasures Childcare Learning Center in Winthrop officially opened and currently has 35 kids enrolled, but those number could rise thanks to a recent child care grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

It was announced Thursday that God’s Treasures was among 25 child care organizations across the state receiving Child Care Economic Development grants. God’s Treasures was awarded $240,000.

A total of $6.1 million in grants were awarded to expand access to child care. Other grants included $345,000 for Renville County; $40,000 for Hutchinson; $159,000 for the Hendricks Community Hospital Association.

Adam Schmidt, director of God’s Treasurer, said they were definitely excited to be awarded this grant, but also surprised.

“We’re surprised because this is a sizable grant and it was a competitive grant,” Schmidt said. “This was our second try at a DEED grant. We have a lot of future plans and the grant has spend up those plans.”

God’s Treasure opened is June 2024, renovating the former Good Samaritan Nursing Home last spring. Schmidt said during spring construction, they renovated an extra room, but it has been left vacant as they did not have the staff to take on additional children.

“Now we will look for another teacher for the classroom,” Schmidt said. “We’re going to supply the classroom and open it up for additional children.”

Schmidt said with this grant, the should be able to enroll an additional 14 children.

God’s Treasures takes children from six week to 12 years. The grant will allow the child care center to have five rooms divided between ages including infant, toddler, transitional, preschool and school age. Schmidt said the transitional room would be for the older toddlers and young preschool kids. This is one of the new classes to be established through the grant.

The grant will allow the center to expand its playground and purchase new playground equipment.

God’s Treasures Childcare serves families in McCloud, Sibley, Nicollet, Renville and Brown County.

Gov. Tim Walz announced that through this $6.1 million in grants, child care capacity should expand by 1,400 slots statewide.

Of the funds awarded, 84%, or $5.1 million, will go towards increasing child care availability in Greater Minnesota, creating 1,337 slots.

“Affordable, reliable child care is essential for a thriving economy – it removes the barriers that prevent parents from entering the workforce, and makes life easier and more affordable for families,” Walz said. “These grants are creating opportunities for child care providers, expanding high-quality, affordable childcare, and growing our economy.”

“Access to affordable, reliable child care gives families and caregivers options and peace of mind,” Lieutenant Governor Flanagan said. “Child care investments benefit businesses, families, and our economy. These new grants are helping us create a state where all families can thrive, and all children are set up for success from day one.”

Since July 2023, DEED has awarded $12 million in grants to 45 organizations to fund child care startups or business expansions, resulting in over 3,500 new child care slots.

The complete list of organizations receiving the Child Care Economic Development grant in this round of funding includes:

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency – $240,000

Becker County – $120,000

Brainerd Family YMCA – $97,5000

Catholic Charities Twin Cities – $240,000

City of Hutchinson – $40,000

City of Wadena – $195,000

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) – $300,000

Cook County PHHS – $385,178

Duluth Area Family YMCA – $480,000

God’s Treasures Childcare Learning Center – $240,000

Greater Bemidji, Inc. – $575,000

Heartland Lakes Development Commission – $100,000

Hendricks Community Hospital Association – $159,000

Hmong American Partnership – $240,000

ISO 482- Little Falls Community Schools – $240,000

Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar EDC – $178,500

Lil Chompers Child Care Inc. – $240,000

Mapleton Economic Development Authority – $175,120

Nobles County Community Service Agency – $480,000

Northland Foundation – $240,000

Northwest Minnesota Foundation – $134,530

Otter Tail County – $240,000

Renville County – $345,000

Warroad Community Childcare Center – $240,000

WomenVenture – $240,000