Groundbreaking Ceremony in Clinton County Makes 76 More Childcare Seats Available

Frankfort, Indiana – St. Matthew Community Preschool and the United Way of Clinton County announced plans for construction of a new preschool and childcare facility. A groundbreaking ceremony open to the public marked the occasion from 9-10 a.m. on Feb. 3 at the building site (5641 W. Mulberry Jefferson Rd., Frankfort).

By June 2025, “St. Matthew Community Preschool West Campus,” which will be located in the lower level of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, will be open for business. The new facility will serve up to 76 children ages 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. Registration will open May 1, 2025.

The goal of the new facility will be to obtain a level 3 Paths to QUALITY designation, Indiana’s statewide quality rating and improvement system for early care and education. St. Matthew’s main campus at 1951 Wilshire Drive will remain in operation and will host seats for 180 children to attend half-day sessions of preschool only. The main campus will also be prepared to host eight newborn seats for five-day care, if needed. A secondary goal is to host the county’s first Early Learning Center to provide training of/experience for childcare workers.

“St. Matthew Community Preschool West Campus” will be open five days each week. Hours are likely to be 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first level of the Cornerstone facility has five classrooms that will be utilized for the preschool. A playground presently exists, but over $100,000 will likely be spent for a new playground to better serve the facility. It will take at least 24 employees to staff the new center.

The realization of the project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders convened by the United Way of Clinton County. The leadership and staff of St. Matthew Community Preschool extend their gratitude to the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Clinton County, IU Health Foundation, Clinton County Community Foundation, and Purdue’s College & Community Collaboration Initiative (funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.). Their partnerships and contributions have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

“The need for all-day preschool/childcare and infant care is great in our community, especially in the industrial park area,” said Executive Director of St. Matthew Community Preschool, Mary Kay Baker.

For Media Inquiries or Further Information

Anita Stewart, Executive Director | 765-654-5573 | astewart@uwclintoncounty.org
Mary Kay Baker, Executive Director of St. Matthew Community Preschool | 765-490-3233 | bakermarykay@hotmail.com

About St. Matthew Preschool

Our objective is to provide safe, loving care that will enable young children to feel secure and comfortable while away from parents and home. It is also to provide developmentally appropriate activities to help lay their educational foundation within a Christian environment.