Early Childhood Enrichment Center taking shape

The steel frame is up, walls are going in, and excitement is growing on the west end of the Flandreau Public School campus, where a new early childhood development center is quickly taking shape.
The Flandreau Clubhouse a partnership led by the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County will operate as a premier Early Childhood Enrichment Center, serving children from six weeks to five years old.
We havent even opened enrollment yet and already have 10 children signed up, Club Director Jody Hernandez told the Flandreau City Council in a recent update.
The project a collaboration between the Boys & Girls Club, the City of Flandreau, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe was born from small community focus groups that helped define the areas most urgent childcare and early education needs.
Once complete, the $3.6 million facility will have space for up to 138 children, with dedicated areas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The goal is to support local families with high-quality care, help children transition seamlessly into the school system, and give every child a strong foundation for future success.
The Club is also working closely with the Flandreau School District and Flandreau Indian School to offer programming and hands-on training for students interested in early childhood education careers.
A cafeteria and multi-purpose flex space on the west end of the building will allow for care during non-traditional hours one of several built-in supports for working families.
Phase one will open with capacity for 60 children: 28 infants, 12 toddlers, and preschoolers, split between ages 34 and 45. Phase two, beginning in early 2027, will add services like telemedicine, mildly ill care, and extended hours.
Officials are currently hiring a center director and plan to open enrollment in January. Nearly 40 staff will be needed. The Club is partnering with SDSUs Children and Family Resource Network to support training and staffing.
A new roadway is also planned to improve traffic flow between the center, school, armory, and community center.
Our goal is to create a premier early childhood center where every child thrives socially, emotionally, and academically, Hernandez said.
The grand opening is scheduled for May 4, 2026.