September 4, 2020, Labor Day, saw one of Chaffee County’s most iconic historical sites, the Poncha Springs School House, brought to life once more. In the most unlikely of scenarios a local nonprofit, Chaffee Childcare Initiative (CCCI), identified the building, sought its viability as a potential childcare facility and secured funding. On opening day, the place hummed to life.
The old Poncha Springs School House, at one time one of the largest in the valley, became the Town Hall, and now has a new life as a critically-needed child care center. Photo courtesy of Colorado Central Magazine
After identifying the potential of the old school house, a diligent team of child care advocates have worked tirelessly to bring about the rejuvenation of the Poncha Springs Schoolhouse.
They were driven by a need to fill the large “void” of childcare across Chaffee County and in particular, in Poncha Springs. Ark Valley Voice previously reported on the rapid growth Poncha Springs is experiencing. CCCI officials say they hope the Poncha Springs School house will provide an invaluable resource for the community as it continues to grow.
Attached quiet room. Photo Stephen Hall
Historical role
Though built initially as one of the largest school houses in the county, the Poncha Springs school house largely served as the seat of town government for most of its 138 year history.
During that illustrious history, the school house also served as a capable community meeting place and local heritage museum.
In 2017 the Town of Poncha Springs completed a long awaited new, purpose-built, town hall adjacent to the historic school house. As a result the school house, for the first time in its long history, became vacant.
New Life, Old Purpose
Shortly after the town government moved out of the space, in the most unlikely of scenarios a local nonprofit, Chaffee Childcare Initiative (CCCI), identified the building and sought its viability as a childcare facility.
At the public open house on Labor Day Weekend, the “School House” staff showcased the rejuvenated learning spaces. This space will initially occupy the two, large downstairs rooms, that once served as the town meeting room and the museum.
Two main learning rooms. Photo Stephen Hall
In addition the the larger, sunny learning room, there is a smaller, “quiet room” attached to the back as well as a large fenced outdoor play area. For the time being the upstairs are being used as a meal prep area and office space for Executive Director Shelley Garcia and her staff.
Garcia, a lifelong teacher and child care advocate, earned her undergraduate teaching degree in Texas. After teaching for a time in Texas, Shelley pursued childcare advocacy and social work. She believes in “integrated learning” and hopes to instill this progressive and stronger learning strategy in the School House. Like so many others, Garcia says she was drawn to Chaffee County by the small town feel and its overwhelming beauty.
The new childcare center will provide learning space for up to 18 children ages two through four-year-olds. According to CCCI Director Janine Pryor, there are still five child care spaces available at The Schoolhouse. Both CCCI and the The Schoolhouse at Poncha Springs are looking for teachers and childcare workers.
Outside back play area. Photo Stephen Hall
Featured image; CCCI School House staff. Left to right: Executive Director Shelley Garcia, Kate McClelland, Chelsey Helmer, Director Amy Lovato. Photo Stephen Hall
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