Shining Mountain Montessori outlines plan for Carbonate Street childcare center, seeks county lodging-tax funds

Shining Mountain Montessori’s executive director, Emily Honey, told the Board of Trustees on Jan. 27 that the nonprofit would expand into the Carbonate Street space to add infant, toddler and preschool capacity and relieve a severe countywide childcare shortage.

Honey outlined a plan for a roughly 4,600-square-foot center with one infant classroom (8 infants), two toddler classrooms (10 each) and a children’s-house preschool room (20), producing 48 new slots. Combined with the school’s existing 20 full‑time spots, the expansion would represent a roughly 240% increase in the organization’s capacity, she said.

The presenters said staff estimates show payroll will be the largest single cost—about 82–83% of operating expenses—leaving narrow margins for other costs and financial aid. Start-up costs for materials and furniture…