26 WEEKLY 2026
JANUARY
VOL 4 • NO. 03
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RAINBOW EXPERIENCE PRESCHOOL PLANS NEW FACILITY Rainbow Experience Preschool Plans New Childcare Facility, Announces Leadership Search Plans are moving steadily forward for a major expansion of Rainbow Experience Preschool, marking an important step toward meeting Baldwin City’s growing childcare needs. Since June 2025, a dedicated subcommittee has met monthly to guide the project. The group includes community members with professional backgrounds in construction, engineering, banking and finance, childcare, and human resources. Collectively, the committee has contributed a significant number of volunteer hours, playing a key role in shaping the project’s direction and feasibility. The new childcare facility is planned for the north side of Highway 56 near Firetree. Current timelines anticipate breaking ground in mid2026, with the new location expected to open in mid-2027. One Unified Facility for the Future Originally, the expansion was structured in two phases. Phase 1
focused on building a new infant and toddler care facility in a separate location, while Phase 2 explored selling Rainbow’s current preschool building and eventually consolidating all programs into a single expanded space. As of January 2026, following continued feasibility studies, financial analysis, and board discussion, Rainbow Experience Preschool is now considering combining both phases into one integrated project. This approach would allow all childcare services—from infant care through Pre-K—to operate under one roof in a purpose-built facility. Leadership believes the unified model offers a long-term solution that prioritizes sustainability, operational efficiency, and continued access to high-quality, affordable childcare for Baldwin City families.
Joint Venture Supports Community Growth The expansion is being pursued as a joint venture with Baldwin City Economic Development, reinforcing the role childcare plays in supporting workforce stability and community growth. Rainbow Experience Preschool has served Baldwin City for more than 60 years as a not-for-profit childcare provider, with a longstanding mission to support young families through affordable and dependable early childhood education
Leadership Position Announced As part of the expansion, Rainbow Experience Preschool will soon begin a public search for a Director, a new full-time leadership role planned to launch alongside the new facility. The director will lead the planning and opening of the new center— serving children from newborn throughPre-K—and will oversee daily operations once the facility opens in 2027. Responsibilities include licensing and regulatory compliance, staff recruitment and training, curriculum development, operational planning, and family engagement. The position offers a salary range of $50,000 to $70,000, with a projected start date in fall 2026. Candidates with experience in early childhood education leadership and familiarity with Kansas licensing requirements are encouraged to apply. Applications, including a resume and cover letter, should be submitted to Austin Wegener at Austin_Wegener@ yahoo.com Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. With strong community support, dedicated volunteer leadership, and thoughtful long-range planning already underway, Rainbow Experience Preschool’s expansion reflects a meaningful investment in Baldwin City’s families—supporting early childhood development, workforce stability, and the long-term health of the community.
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WHERE COLOR, CRAFT, AND COMMUNITY MEET— GARY L. KELLER’S QUILTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT THE LUMBERYARD ARTS CENTER. ON THE BACK COVER
DOGS AND CATS LIVING TOGETHER—FOR GOOD. Baker “Cats” and Baldwin “Dogs” came together for a powerful morning of service. See the impact on the back cover.