A groundbreaking partnership: Vail Valley Foundation begins construction on new early child care facility in Avon – VailDaily.com

Report on the Groundbreaking of Early Childhood Educational Facility in Avon

Introduction

On Monday, July 23, construction commenced on a pioneering early childhood educational facility in Avon, Colorado. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Vail Valley Foundation, the town of Avon, Eagle County, and other key partners. The project aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Project Overview

• The facility will encompass 13,590 square feet.
• It is designed to accommodate 165 children under the age of five.
• The project addresses the critical shortage of early childhood education in Eagle County.

Community and Government Support

State Senator Dylan Roberts emphasized the importance of affordable child care and its impact on community retention, highlighting the facility as a tangible solution. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by local government officials, donors, and early childhood education stakeholders, demonstrating strong community engagement and partnership.

Significance and Partnership

A Meaningful Step Toward Lasting Solutions

Johannes Faessler, a Vail Valley Foundation board member, described the project as a significant advancement in addressing the child care crisis affecting families, businesses, and the valley’s future. This initiative supports SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Public-Private Collaboration

• The project is the result of over two years of collaboration between public and private sectors.
• The Vail Valley Foundation’s longstanding commitment to early childhood education dates back more than a decade.
• Avon Mayor Tamra Nottingham Underwood highlighted the power of regional cooperation, reflecting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Design and Sustainability Features

• Designed by Zehren and Associates and constructed by RA Nelson.
• Targeted opening in fall 2026.
• Fully electric facility powered by photovoltaic solar panels with battery storage, donated by Active Energies Solar and SolarStrap, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Funding and Community Impact

Financial Contributions and Support

• Eagle County contributed $1 million and plans to support teacher stipends.
• The county’s voter-approved lodging tax funds early childhood programs and educator stipends.
• Avon provided a 50-year lease for 2.5 to 3 acres of land at $1, plus $800,000 in financial contributions and incentives.

Facility Features and Accessibility

• Includes infant, toddler, preschool, and multipurpose rooms.
• Operating hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Twenty-four spots reserved for children of town employees, officials, residents, and local business employees.
• Additional spaces allocated for employees of certain Eagle County businesses and the general public.
• A tuition assistance fund will cover 50% or more of tuition for 32 families in need, promoting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Fundraising and Future Outlook

The estimated cost to build the facility is $13.5 million. The Vail Valley Foundation is actively fundraising to meet this goal. Johannes Faessler stated that the project aims to establish a sustainable model supporting working families, strengthening the community and economy, and delivering high-quality early childhood education accessible to all.

Conclusion

This early childhood educational facility represents a comprehensive approach to addressing critical social and economic challenges in Eagle County. By integrating sustainable design, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing equitable access to education, the project exemplifies the implementation of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, sustainable communities, and partnerships for development.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on the construction of an early childhood educational facility, addressing the shortage of early childhood education in Eagle County.
   • Emphasis on providing high-quality early childhood education accessible to all children under 5 years old.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Supports working families by providing accessible child care, which helps parents remain in the workforce.
   • Includes stipends for early childhood educators, promoting decent work conditions.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The partnership between local government, nonprofits, and businesses to develop community infrastructure.
   • Focus on affordable living and community support services.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The facility will be fully electric with photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage, promoting clean energy use.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are enrolled in early childhood education programs (implied by the facility capacity of 165 children under 5).
   • Availability and accessibility of early childhood education facilities in the community.
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Number of early childhood educators receiving monthly stipends (implied by the lodging tax funding for stipends).
   • Employment rates of parents enabled by accessible child care services.
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Number of affordable child care spots designated for town employees, residents, and local business employees (24 spots for town employees and officials, others for residents and employees).
   • Community participation in partnerships and funding initiatives.
4. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Proportion of energy consumption in the facility derived from renewable sources (facility powered by photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vaildaily.com