Vermonters Revive Empty Schools to Grow Child Care Supply

Across Vermont, classrooms that once served students five and older are being reimagined for the state’s youngest learners. With enrollment declines and demographic shifts reshaping local education landscapes, communities are finding new ways to keep these spaces vibrant and useful. 

Filling community gaps

The Growing Tree in Addison and the Salisbury Family Center in Salisbury are already open and thriving in buildings that once served as local schools. 

The Growing Tree has transformed the former Addison Central School into a full-day, full-year program for toddlers and preschoolers. With support from a First Children’s Finance Make Way for Kids grant, the center now serves families from across Addison County, including those who previously had no nearby options. 

“The bones of the school were already perfect for children,” said Michelle Bishop, director of The Growing Tree. “There are classrooms, bathrooms, playgrounds, everything we need to make a nurturing space. When I learned this space was available, I decided it was time to move forward.” 

The Salisbury Family Center opened in August 2024 in the town’s former elementary school. Director Christian Bowdish led the two-year effort, supported by a Make Way for Kids grant and countless hours of community volunteer work. 

“It took a lot of persistence and a lot of help from neighbors,” Bowdish said. “But we created new slots for local families and gave a building that means so much to our town a new reason to exist.” 

“It’s been inspiring to see this building full of life again,” said Pat Dunn, Chair of the Salisbury Select Board. “The Family Center gives local families a service they really need, while preserving a space that’s part of our town’s story.” 

Planned projects mean more to come 

Other communities are following suit. In Rochester, the Valley Hub project—supported by a planning grant from First Children’s Finance—is converting the former high school into a multi-use community center that continues its legacy as a vibrant space for learning, the arts, and social engagement. 

“When considering potential uses for the repurposed building, it was important to continue its legacy as a vibrant space for learning, the arts, and social engagement,” said Maureen Young, part of the planning team. “The repurposing plan includes small business space, adult day services, child care, health and wellness, education, the arts, makerspace, and an outdoor recreation center.” 

In Bennington, the Berkshire Family YMCA is preparing to open infant and toddler classrooms in a repurposed school wing. This project is the first step in a larger plan to expand into the renovated Benn High building, which will eventually provide up to 100 child care spaces. And in Roxbury, community partners are exploring how their recently closed elementary school could someday house new early childhood classrooms. 

First Children’s Finance-VT Director Erin Roche said, “These projects offer more than high-quality child care. They bring new life to historic buildings, support local families, and help strengthen the economic and social fabric of the community. It’s exciting to see how a single repurposed space can touch so many lives.” 

A model for what comes next 

Vermont’s aging population and new education reform measures mean that change is on the horizon for many school districts. As local institutions evolve, communities will continue to find creative ways to keep public spaces in use and to meet the growing demand for child care. 

“Every time a school closes, a community asks, ‘What now?’” Bishop said. “Child care is one answer that helps everyone: families, employers, and the future of our towns.” 

First Children’s Finance is proud to help Vermont communities turn these ideas into reality, supporting child care programs that strengthen families, businesses, and the places they call home. 

• Looking for support for your child care business in Vermont? FCF Vermont is here to help.
  Email infoVT@firstchildrensfinance.org for more information.
• Interested in exploring how community spaces can be transformed into child care businesses outside of Vermont? We’d love to connect. Please email infonational@firstchildrensfinance.org.