Just eight months after announcing its grand opening in the village of Questa, Inspire Early Learning Center which was located at Freedom Church has announced that after a “mutual decision” with INSPIRE and Freedom Center Church, it will be moving its services to Red River.
The vision for INSPIRE Early Learning Center first spurred years ago with initial talks starting with then Mayor Mark Gallegos. The vision and continued work to establish a childcare facility in Questa was halted with the COVID-19 pandemic, INSPIRE owner Taylor Etchemendy says leaders remained committed to providing the community with childcare options.
“For the first time, existing silos crumbled, and honest conversations led to strength-based cooperation and collaboration across all sectors. Local leaders collaborated with local educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of our youngest citizens and their families,” Etchemendy said in a correspondence sent to the Questa del Rio News.
Once the pandemic dust settled, Etchemendy continued talks with the newly elected Mayor John Ortega. “Mayor Ortega was eager and supportive to engage in conversations and think about possible spaces to provide access to infant and toddler care,” Etchemendy continued.
After continued talks in early 2023, it was determined that the site could be housed at Freedom Center Church in Questa with support from Pastor Kristi Gonzales. Plans to repair and restore existing buildings at Freedom Center Church ensued as INSPIRE worked to meet licensing requirements and regulations for childcare services.
The site at Freedom Center Church opened on December 11, 2023, and served 12 toddlers and 4 infants, providing jobs for six Questa residents and an opportunity to pursue their degrees in Early Childhood Education.
The childcare center at Freedom Center Church was thriving with full enrollment from December 2023 until mid-July 2024 when the “mutual decision” to cease operations.
Etchemendy says many improvements have been made at Freedom Church in order to meet state licensing standards and regulations. “It is our sincere hope that one day the church may revisit opening their own program in the beautiful space. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to get started there and for the relationships we have made with children and families.”
Since closing its doors in July of this year, finding an alternative location in Questa was deemed unsuccessful.
“My staff and I worked diligently to find a space for the daycare facility to continue operations in Questa but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. We are hopeful that Taylor will continue to work with us as we identify a location for a site in the future,” Questa Mayor John Ortega says. Etchemendy says Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun expressed interest in helping the childcare center move its services to Red River.
“We are excited for this opportunity and to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community working collectively to meet the need to provide childcare not only to Red River families but to Questa and surrounding areas. The support has been astonishing. Questa teachers and Red River community members have been working around the clock to prepare the buildings to provide high-quality childcare for our current families, but also provide increased access and availability. We are eternally grateful,” Etchemendy continues. Licensing requirements and regulations for the new site are still pending, therefore we cannot yet release the location address until the center has official clearance to open its operations.
Etchemendy says, “it is important to note the good intentions that went into this project and the continued commitment from the Village of Questa and INSPIRE to continue to think creatively about options for childcare and ‘out of school time’ care for the Questa community. While we are thrilled that we have found a new home in Red River, our conversations continue about how best to collaborate and serve Questa families. It is with great respect and an ongoing deep commitment to child and family well-being in Taos County that we extend our deepest gratitude and well wishes to all.”
