Primrose and Westmont plan new preschool to address local childcare needs

A pressing need for expanded early childhood education options in Westmont was highlighted during the recent Village Board meeting, as officials discussed the significant gap between theoretical and practical childcare capacity in the area. Currently, only 42 percent of children under five in DuPage County have access to licensed childcare, but actual usable capacity is much lower due to limitations of existing programs, particularly those offered by churches that operate only a few hours a week.

The discussion centered around the potential establishment of a new Primrose School in Westmont, which aims to address these challenges. A representative from Primrose presented data showing that most families seeking childcare live within a 10-minute drive of the proposed location, indicating a strong local demand. The analysis revealed that the majority of potential customers are Westmont residents, with some interest from neighboring areas like Northern Downers Grove and Hinsdale.

Primrose is recognized for its educational approach to preschool, distinguishing itself from traditional daycare by offering a structured curriculum even for infants. This focus on education has earned it accolades as one of the top preschool programs in the nation.

The proposed Primrose School represents the largest commercial investment in the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District since its inception, signaling a significant step towards enhancing childcare options in the community. As the village continues to explore this opportunity, officials are optimistic about the positive impact it could have on working families in Westmont.