Children's Discovery Ranch is a small, licensed early childhood center located on the historic Hutchinson Ranch in Salida, CO. We provide early care and learning (pre school) programs for young children in a nurturing, play and nature-based early learning environment. We primarily operate our school through the tuition paid by our families. Since our opening in 2004, when we only served 6 two year olds, we've consistently seen growth each year and now serve 50 children, ages 2-8 years. In 2015 we expanded our operation to help meet our community's growing demand for high quality early care and learning programs. We were extremely fortunate to be able to relocate our school to a historic, working ranch where our children have ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and discovery. Our staff of 11, and the families we serve, feel very blessed to be able to provide such enriching developmental and educational experiences to the children of our community.
Since our water supply comes from a well, we have recently received notification from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that due to our capacity, we are now designated as a public water system requiring us to install a water chlorination system. It's important to note that our water tests have always shown good quality water, but the CDPHE feels it best we install this system to meet the water demands of our children, staff and families. They have given us 60 days to have the system installed and operating.
To purchase, install and perform the required testing of the system will require approximately $20-25,000 over the first 2 years. In an effort minimize tuition increases for our families, we are seeking donations to assist with covering the cost of this state mandated water system. We do plan to seek community support and grant funding as an additional aide for the costs, but since we are not a non-profit, we are limited to the grants available.
Thank you in advance for your generous, and extremely helpful, contribution. Please share this campaign!!!
