Hendrick announces a “New Day (Nursery) in the Neighborhood”

What started out many years ago as a “wish list” item for Hendrick Health and Hardin-Simmons University, has become a reality with the formal announcement of plans for a new Day Nursery of Abilene location on the north side.

“Day Nursery is honored to expand its services to the community to provide child care in this renovated space as a collaborative partnership with Hendrick Health and Hardin-Simmons University,” said Cynthia Pearson, executive director for Day Nursery Abilene. “We are grateful to each partner and funder who has entrusted valuable resources toward this endeavor. Although the progress in some stages of the project has been slow, it’s all been deliberate and critically important as we are pioneering new territory for Day Nursery’s early childhood program to better serve the child care needs of families in our community.”

The new child care center will be located in the former College Heights Elementary School, now owned by Hendrick Health. This expansion project involves remodeling the existing building, which is located on the corner of N. 18^th Street and Orange Street near the main campus of Hendrick.

“We are proud to partner with Day Nursery to bring child care to the Hendrick campus,” said Brad Holland, president and CEO of Hendrick Health. “We survey our employees annually to learn more about their needs, and today’s announcement is a direct result of listening and acting on this feedback. When we purchased the school, our goal was to repurpose it in a way to help our community. A place to provide much-needed, affordable childcare is just the right fit.”

The renovated facility will include: 

• 12,167 square feet
• Eight classrooms
• Commercial kitchen
• Cafeteria
• Fenced playground
• Gymnasium
• Staff workroom
• Offices

This location will employ approximately 25-28 individuals, including early childhood professionals, food service personnel and center administration.