Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Childcare Coalition of Dodge City, in partnership with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, invites the public to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the Full Circle Childcare Center on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 405 McArtor Road, Dodge City.
This groundbreaking marks a major milestone in addressing the critical shortage of childcare in Ford County. The Full Circle Childcare Center, once complete, will provide up to 100 childcare slots with extended and 24-hour care options, specifically designed to meet the needs of working families, including those on nontraditional shifts.
The project is supported by over $6 million in committed funding, including contributions from Cargill Meat Solutions, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, Patterson Family Foundation and Hilmar Cheese.
The Childcare Coalition of Dodge City has successfully secured over $6M to expand childcare capacity across the county. This includes a $1.25 million grant from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, $5 million from Cargill, pledged through an origination fee for Industrial Revenue Bonds, and $500,000 from the Patterson Family Foundation.
Key partners include the City of Dodge City, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, Dodge City Community College, USD 443, Russell Child Development Center, Williamson Architect, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, the State of Kansas, and Ford County.
The facility will repurpose the 7,500+ sq. ft. Cinema Circle building, generously donated by local developer Ric Marbouef, and relocate it to the United Village neighborhood. The new center will include four classrooms, a multi-purpose gym, a commercial kitchen, administrative offices, outdoor play areas, and future upper-level development potential.
“This is more than just a building, it’s a solution to one of our community’s greatest workforce challenges,” said Mollea Lightner, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “We’re proud to be part of a collaborative effort that is investing in our families, our businesses, and our future.”
Construction began early 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by July 2027. In addition to the Full Circle facility, the Childcare Coalition continues to support growth in childcare capacity through free “How to Become a Childcare Provider” workshops and seminars to provide ongoing technical support, including a recent tax seminar for licensed home providers.
Event Details
Event: Full Circle Childcare Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: 405 McArtor Road, Dodge City, KS
The event is open to the public and will feature remarks from project partners, funders, and local officials.
For more information about the Childcare Coalition of Dodge City or the Full Circle Childcare Center project, contact:
Mollea Lightner
Assistant Director of Economic Development
Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation
molleaw@dodgedev.org