VARC opening new preschool childcare center on Monday

LA CROSSE- A French Island preschool is relocating to the north side of LA Crosse under new ownership.

VARC will soon have a new addition to its services. The disability center will be opening its preschool childcare center on Friday. 

The nonprofit acquired it in December after buying it from La Crosse couple Lisa and David Goodwin. 

Shannon Meinking is the mother of a three-year old. She's glad La Crosse will have another preschool but is even happier VARC is running it. 

"I think that representation for all types of people to meet needs is really important," Meinking says. "I think that it's really awesome that our community has been focusing more on that need."

VARC had a childhood youth program at its location on the south side but removed it to consolidate and conserve resources.

Director of strategy Megan Tully looks forward to helping both parents and her staff.

"We know that workforce is impacted by daycare availability. It's an added benefit to our staff so our staff have the option to participate in those daycare services if they like," Tully explains. 

Tully tells News 8 Now having another childcare center will help address problems facing the childcare industry. 

"There's a lot of challenges to overcome in the daycare field and childcare field whether licensed or unlicensed. I'm excited that VARC has the opportunity to participate with its partners and other local organizations to assist in problem solving."

Tully also says acquiring the preschool has created opportunities for other organizations facing a workforce shortage.

VARC is hiring teachers for its preschool childcare center.

Story source:  WKBT news8000