Dear Editor,

I think I can safely say that Nederland residents are not against having a new preschool/ early childcare center as there is an obvious and urgent need. There is currently ONE year-round preschool to support the entire Peak to Peak region. That ONE preschool is New Explorers Learning Center (NELC) which TEENS, Inc. opened in 2019 when Little Bear and Aspen Grove both closed their doors. There is NO care for infants. The preschool at Nederland Elementary can accommodate 18 students and only when BVSD is in session. A lack of childcare adversely impacts the growth/sustainability of our schools, our businesses, our families and our entire community.

The real issue is location. TEENS, Inc. submitted an SRU to allow a preschool to be built at 750 W. 5th Street (Old Town Shop site). After considering several locations as well as timing, logistics and financials, the Old Town Shop site is the only realistic spot for TEENS, Inc. to build.

Location: There is no other viable location for TEENS, Inc. to build. The alternate locations some people talk about are either not buildable, not available, not timely, come with strings attached, or are financially prohibitive. There is a concern for the habitat and surrounding ecology which will be enhanced purposefully with this project. It will become an oasis for children.

Timing: This critical community need requires immediate action. NELC has a current waitlist of over 60 families. Funding opportunities have looming deadlines. The building season is also looming and short! We are losing young families and workforce as we speak.

Financials: Our local economy will suffer if we continue to lose families and our workforce. Running a preschool is not typically considered a viable business option. If it were, Nederland and the Peak to Peak Region would not be in this predicament. TEENS, Inc. projects losing about $40k annually with the new preschool facility but is confident it can make this up through grants and donations.

Many municipalities support early childhood education with annual operating costs. TEENS, Inc. is not asking the town for ongoing support. It is asking for one-time support through a land lease to help bring this critical need to fruition.

I’ve heard mention of the $5M TEENS, Inc. budget. What is not mentioned is that TEENS, Inc. is a non-profit and all of these funds are earmarked for programming and are funded through grants and donations or contracts with public landowners. TEENS, Inc. programs include:

• The Teen Center

• The Social Emotional Learning Program at Ned. Elementary

• Chinook West High School

• Lookout Mountain Academy (High School and post-secondary education)

• Youth Employment Programs such as: Youth Corps, Teamworks and Peer Supervisors

• Community Initiatives such as: Mountain Strong Families, Youth Leadership Academy, Nederland Youth Board and Mountain Coalition for Youth

• Outdoor Leadership Programs

• Peak to Peak Soccer

• New Explorers Learning Center

Even though the profit margin on a preschool is minimal to none, TEENS, Inc. sees this as an invaluable investment in the community. TEENS, Inc., in partnership with the town, can provide a solution.

Important: TEENS, Inc. has, and will, follow every letter of the law. TEENS, Inc. has, and will follow all building codes. TEENS, Inc. has, and will communicate openly, honestly and with integrity.

TEENS, Inc. is in a position to help and has a proven track record with its success and dedication to serving this community and the Peak to Peak region for over 25 years.

The goal is to support the community by nurturing and educating children now and into the future.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Karowe

TEENS, Inc. Board President, NMSHS Parent, Nederland Resident, Nederland Business Owner