USD 388 Announces Plans to Move Forward with New Childcare Facility; Community Foundation of Ellis Offers December Matching Challenge for Project
USD 388, Ellis Public Schools, is taking a significant step toward addressing the community’s critical childcare shortage by opening and operating a licensed childcare facility on school grounds. The Little Railers Childcare Center—licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a family childcare home—will serve up to 12 children (3 infants, 6 toddlers, and 3 preschoolers) and employ one full-time and two part-time staff members, all as district employees. Enrollment priority will be given to school district staff, with any remaining openings offered to families in the community.
This project responds directly to growing childcare needs. A Community Childcare Needs Assessment conducted in March 2023 found that 94% of respondents believed Ellis needs additional childcare options. Several families reported taking children out of town for care, while others indicated they were unable to participate in the workforce due to limited local availability. The shortage continues to place strain on families and may contribute to future district enrollment declines.
Recognizing this urgent need, the USD 388 Board of Education voted in April 2023 to sponsor development of the childcare facility. Since then, the district and the community childcare coalition have worked diligently to secure funding. To date, $489,860 has been raised through grants and private donations. Major funding partners include:
Dane G. Hansen Foundation — $175,000
Patterson Family Foundation — $153,858
Child Care Aware of Kansas — $78,638 + $30,000
Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation — $20,000
Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center — $16,064
Private donors — $13,150
The total project cost is $589,882.
Construction costs—including the modular home, foundation, concrete work, utility hookups, fencing, playground equipment, and site preparation—total $425,461 and are currently 78% funded. Approximately $103,172 is still needed to fully complete the construction phase.
The BOE approved plans to move forward with the facility at their October meeting—hoping to have the facility up and running by the start of next school year. The district has partnered with Jamison Brothers (Quinter) to finalize construction and installation details for the custom-built, open-floor-plan family-style home. Similar designs have been successfully used in Plainville, Hoxie, Selden, and Oakley.
All childcare equipment ($47,453) and first-year operating expenses ($116,968) have been fully funded. Once open, the facility will be self-sustaining through tuition revenue, CACFP meal reimbursement, and DCF childcare subsidies.
December Matching Opportunity — Your Gift Can Go Twice as Far
The Community Foundation of Ellis is offering a generous dollar-for-dollar match for the month of December.
If the project raises $25,000, the foundation will match the full amount, doubling the impact to support construction costs.
This matching challenge provides a critical opportunity for community members, businesses, and alumni to help bring the project across the finish line. With construction underway, donations made now will directly support the completion of the facility and help ensure childcare access for local families for years to come.
A Call to the Community
Superintendent and district leaders emphasize that expanding childcare availability strengthens the entire community:
It keeps teachers and staff in the classroom.
It helps parents stay in the workforce.
It supports future district enrollment by keeping families local.
It provides children with a safe, licensed, high-quality early childhood environment connected to the school system.
USD 388 invites the community to partner in this important investment in the future of Ellis.
How to Donate
Community members are encouraged to support the project through their year-end charitable giving, which may offer tax advantages. Gifts toward the December matching challenge may be made in several ways:
Cash or check donations (Made out to USD 388 Education Foundation)
Gifts of stock or other appreciated assets
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs
Gifts of Grain
All contributions are tax-deductible and will be used exclusively for construction costs. To participate in the December match, donations must be made by December 31.
For questions or assistance with non-cash gifts, donors may contact:
Janice Wilson – 785-726-4281 – jwilson@usd388.com
Donations can be mailed to
USD 388 Education Foundation
PO BOX 256
Ellis, KS
Or
Delivered to 1011 Washington Street, Ellis.
About USD 388, Ellis Public Schools
USD 388 serves the community of Ellis, Kansas, providing high-quality educational opportunities for students from early learning through graduation. The district is committed to supporting families, strengthening the local workforce, and promoting long-term community vitality.
