Several Indianola child care centers have received grants to promote expansion that will create nearly 5,200 new child care slots in the state through Iowa Workforce Development, Working Together, and the Iowa Department of Human Services as announced by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

Lil’ Hands Big Dreams Child Development and Preschool in Norwalk will expand to Indianola after receiving a grant worth over $240,000, with plans to open a childcare program in Indianola that will be licensed for approximately 65 students and employ twenty to twenty-five full and part time early childhood professionals.

Pipsy’s Wee Care and Preschool received a grant worth over $117,000 and will open a new 3500 square foot childcare facility for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old, providing childcare as well as a preschool program for children in one facility.

The money will fund 108 innovative projects in 72 Iowa communities. It will be matched by another $9.7 million in private investment that has been generated through community-based partnerships to alleviate a local child care need.