Expansion of Childcare Facilities in Addison County Promises Relief for Families
By John Flowers
April 3, 2025
ADDISON COUNTY, Vt. – The quest for childcare in Addison County has become increasingly challenging for new parents and newcomers, with many facilities operating at full capacity and maintaining lengthy waiting lists. However, a series of developments in the region’s childcare sector is set to change this narrative, offering hope and much-needed relief to families.
A significant contributor to this positive shift is the expansion of the Otter Creek Child Center (OCCC) in Middlebury. The ongoing construction at 150 Weybridge Street is part of a substantial 13,000-square-foot project intended to create 77 new childcare spots, expected to be completed by early October 2025. According to OCCC Executive Director Linda January, the facility is on schedule, with critical work on plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems already underway. In the interim, OCCC has been accommodating 71 children off-site at the College Street Children’s Center and the Inn on the Green, which are both affiliated with Middlebury College—one of the center’s key partners in this expansion.
Additionally, the recent launch of the Red Clover Children’s Center, which opened its doors in January 2024, has added to the local childcare landscape. Located within the Congregational Church of Middlebury, the center currently serves 24 children, with a notable waiting list of 163 applicants. Red Clover Executive Director Tessa Dearborn emphasized that while the demand for services far exceeds current capacity, the center continues to strategize placement based on age groups rather than a strict first-come-first-served basis.
The Mary Johnson Children’s Center (MJCC), one of the state’s oldest childcare facilities, is also making strides to expand. Currently providing care for 105 children ages three months to five years at several locations, MJCC has recently opened a new toddler room and is exploring further expansions. Executive Director Kristen Dunne mentioned plans for a potential new infant space at their main campus in Middlebury, attesting to the growing need for comprehensive childcare solutions in the area.
Moreover, the Growing Tree, a new center-based program slated to commence in the former Addison Central School building, will soon provide full-day, full-year preschool for children aged 32 months to five years. This initiative, funded by Building Bright Futures, aims to create an additional 20 childcare spots, further enhancing options for families.
The recent announcements of funding awards, including grants distributed by First Children’s Finance VT, indicate ongoing support for early childhood education initiatives. In the latest round, 3,000 was allocated to 22 projects across nine counties, with the Starksboro Cooperative Preschool among the recipients, showcasing an unwavering commitment to expanding high-quality, affordable childcare options across Vermont.
As these expansions and new programs unfold, Addison County residents can anticipate a more accommodating childcare landscape, easing the burden on families striving to secure dependable early childhood education for their children.
