Episode 86: Growing Rural Childcare Access with Dan Levi of Levi Architecture

Apr 19, 2022

You guys. I thought I’d have Dan Levi on the podcast to talk all things TLC. Our conversation turned out to be so much more than I could have imagined! What an amazing advocate for the smallest people in our small towns!

 

Dan Levi is an architect of Dan Levi Architecture and his firm worked with last week’s guest, Pam Ost, to build The Learning Center in Charles City, Iowa. We’re in a series on the center and how big things happen in small towns. But omigoodness we ended up just talking about the importance of childcare and I am SO here for it.

 

Key takeaways

• “A rising tide lifts all ships!”
• Dan is an Iowa State grad (and fan- yuck! Ha!) and architect in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. He loves to bring childcare centers to small towns. Next to skilled nursing, childcare centers have the most building regulations!
• He is SUCH an amazing advocate for CHILDCARE! (He is sure to NOT say babysitting!) Dan points out that young families will not stay in or move to small towns if there is not high quality childcare
• Iowa, and much of the midwest, is suffering a labor shortage. Childcare isn’t just for the little ones, it’s to keep parents comfortable too! 
• Dan says old buildings, especially old schools, are a blight on a small town. It’s so sad to see them fall into disrepair! It’s so important to keep Iowa towns thriving and quality childcare is key for that!
• Dan discusses how the childcare industry is “upside down.” Lead teaching positions can pay less than starting wage at a convenience store and offer no benefits. He’s so understanding of making sure projects fit the individual goals of each community and fit the BUDGET!
•  Dan mentions another inspirational project, Little Knights Learning Center, in Dysart, Iowa. He also recommends the resource Child Care Resource and Referral for families looking for high-quality childcare in Northeast Iowa.

Connect with Dan Levi

Dan’s contact information can be found on his company website, Levi Architecture.

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