🏫 Young Child and Family Center Moves Forward in Lacey

New Development to Address Shortage of Early Learning Spaces and Family Support Services in Thurston County

Lacey is set to become home to a major new educational facility aimed at supporting young children and their families. North Thurston Public Schools has officially submitted its site plan review application for the Young Child and Family Center, a 50,000-square-foot campus designed to provide comprehensive early learning opportunities and family resources.

This project has been in the works for several years and represents a significant step forward in addressing the lack of early childhood education services in the region.

🌟 What Is the Young Child and Family Center?

Located on a 15.8-acre site just north of Nisqually Middle School, the Young Child and Family Center will be a hub of education and support for families with young children in Lacey and surrounding areas.

Here’s what the new facility will include:

🧸 18 Classrooms: Each with a capacity for 20 children per session, serving a total of 360 children in both morning and afternoon sessions
📚 Library Space: Operated by Timberline Regional Library, providing resources for both children and parents
🚸 Play Areas: Both soft and hard play areas, plus a grass playfield for outdoor activities
🚌 Transportation Hub: A designated bus loading area to streamline student drop-off and pickup
🚶 ADA Accessible Walkways: Ensuring safe and easy access for all families and staff members
🚗 Parking & Infrastructure: 141 parking spaces for staff, visitors, and parents, plus designated loading zones

🔨 Project Timeline & Construction Plans

The project is currently in the site plan review phase, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Once completed, the Young Child and Family Center will serve as a self-contained campus, much like an elementary school, but with a specific focus on early learning and family support services.

📅 Anticipated Opening: 2026
📍 Location: North of Nisqually Middle School, Lacey, WA
📏 Size: 50,000 square feet of educational and family support space

🌱 Why This Matters for Lacey

Lacey’s population has been steadily growing, and with it, the demand for quality early learning programs. The Young Child and Family Center is being developed to:

✔ Address the Childcare Gap: With 18 classrooms, the facility will provide 360 new spots for children, helping to alleviate waitlists and improve access
✔ Support Working Families: On-site resources and a library will give parents access to educational materials, family support programs, and learning resources
✔ Promote Community Health: The center is designed to be inclusive and accessible, creating a safe space for all families to learn, play, and connect
✔ Boost Educational Outcomes: Early learning programs have been shown to improve academic readiness, setting children up for long-term success

📢 Community Impact & Public Input

North Thurston Public Schools is encouraging community feedback on the proposed site plan.
Residents can attend upcoming public hearings to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide input on elements like traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and family access.

Stay tuned for dates and times—we’ll keep you posted here at The Olympia Report.

💬 What Do You Think?

Do you believe Lacey needs more early learning centers?
Are there additional resources you’d like to see included in this facility?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know!

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