FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2024

Contact: Pam Armstrong, Economic Development Director, parmstrong@bedfordcountyva.gov 540-587-5670

Bedford County Economic Development Authority Announces Funding for Local Childcare Facilities

In July 2024, the Bedford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) launched a Childcare Facilities Grant in Bedford County. As part of the EDA’s FY25 budget, a total of $30,000 had been set aside for licensed childcare providers or those that would become licensed as part of the grants funding.

Three childcare centers in Bedford County submitted applications to the EDA for funding: The Children’s Lounge SML, Blue Ridge Montessori School, and The School Zone. These centers have identified critical needs that, if met, will help them better serve families in Bedford County and increase enrollment.

Bedford County Economic Development Director, Pam Armstrong said, “a dedicated committee was formed to evaluate each proposal, visit the sites, and conduct interviews with the applicants to understand their specific needs and goals. Following these evaluations, all three childcare centers were approved for funding through this opportunity.”

The Children’s Lounge SML located in Moneta will be using the funds for staff training, playground equipment, and a portable sink. Owner Alexandria Hendricks successfully runs The Children’s Lounge Roanoke and opened the Smith Mountain Lake location in September 2023 in hopes of meeting the demand for childcare in the Moneta area.

“The Children’s Lounge SML is sending our deepest gratitude for the financial support the EDA grant has awarded to our center. We are thrilled to invest the awarded funds into our teacher’s education, playground equipment, and the children of the community,” said Hendricks. She continued, “thank you for the opportunity that the Economic Development Authority of the County of Bedford, Virginia has extended to our childcare center.”

Blue Ridge Montessori School in Lynchburg will be using the funds to gain a Montessori Teacher Certification for one of their current teachers. By doing so, a new classroom will open allowing for 20 new students from ages three to six years old. This teacher will sign a contract promising to remain at the school for at least three years.

Kirsten Filiberto, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Montessori School shared, “We are so grateful to receive this funding from the Bedford County Economic Development Authority. Our mission at Blue Ridge Montessori School is to provide an authentic, high-quality Montessori education in which every child is supported in developing a love of life and learning within a safe, peaceful, and responsive community. This grant is allowing us to continue our mission with a greater impact by providing access to Montessori education for families in our community.”

The committee’s last visit was to The School Zone in Forest. Their funds have been allocated towards purchasing a playground turf. With current state regulations, The School Zone spends thousands of dollars each year on mulch for the safety of the children. The playground turf will allow The School Zone to invest their yearly mulch funds on expansions.

The Owner of The School Zone, Christy West said, “The School Zone, INC is thrilled to announce they have been chosen as one of the recipients of the Bedford County EDA Childcare Grant. This grant will allow us to upgrade our current 7,500-square-foot playground’s ground surface. By replacing the wood chip surface with playground turf it will provide a cleaner, safer play area for our students. We cannot express our gratitude and excitement!”

The EDA voted unanimously in October 2024 to move forward with the proposed funding allocations, reflecting their commitment to enhancing childcare services in Bedford County. This initiative underscores the importance of quality childcare in supporting families and contributing to the community’s overall economic development.

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