BELLE — Maries County R-2 School District officials and the Belle Elementary preschool classes attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday morning at 304 N. Mitchem Avenue in Belle to celebrate the new construction of a $1.5 million Early Childhood Development Center.

Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham said on Jan. 16 that everyone is ready to see this project begin.

“Everybody I’ve talked to is excited,” Basham said on Jan. 16 while discussing the project. “They are anxious to start to see some progress. Hopefully, the community will start to see the progress. They are still promising completion in August.”

Maries County R-2 Board of Education approved the project during its March 25, 2025, meeting. In recent months, they’ve awarded the architect bid to Archer-Elgin and the construction bid to American Realty’s Kevin Guffey. The board held its final preconstruction meeting on Jan. 15 and is ready to get started.

The six-room facility is expected to accommodate a variety of early childhood development needs.

“Three preschool classes, the same that we have now, and two classrooms for daycare and a classroom for Parents As Teachers and therapy that has to happen,” Basham said about the space.

Every classroom comes equipped with a bathroom and sink.

The district’s preschool classes currently support 39 early learners.

“We know that preschool is important for the impact it has on a child’s development. It lays the foundation for future academic success,” said Basham in a 2025 district press release. “Quality preschool programs promote learning readiness and prepare our youngest learners for kindergarten and the rest of their education. Our board of education believes this investment will have a positive impact on our whole community.”

Board members were eager last spring to discuss adding a small daycare service for employees only to help alleviate the childcare restraints in the area, support teachers and staff, and encourage teacher retention. The facility would be open to children aged 3 years old and under.

“We are still shooting for the stars on daycare,” Basham confirmed. “We probably won’t know numbers on the daycare until February for staff. We will send out an email for who is eligible. The board approved the daycare, depending on the numbers we have as far as interest from the staff.”

Basham said no one has been hired to staff the daycare at this time.

Board President Kenda Sanders said in a district press release in March 2025 that the center is needed.

“The school district is thrilled to introduce a new facility dedicated to early childhood development,” Sanders said. “With the support of our amazing staff and community, we are eager to take this next step. Our commitment to supporting families in the district, from birth through high school graduation and beyond, remains a top priority.”

Once completed, the center is expected to house both a half-day and full day program.