You guys. I thought I’d have Dan Levi on the podcast to talk all things TLC. Our conversation turned out to be so much more than I could have imagined! What an amazing advocate for the smallest people in our small towns!
Dan Levi is an architect of Dan Levi Architecture and his firm worked with last week’s guest, Pam Ost, to build The Learning Center in Charles City, Iowa. We’re in a series on the center and how big things happen in small towns. But omigoodness we ended up just talking about the importance of childcare and I am SO here for it.
Key Takeaways
- “A rising tide lifts all ships!”
- Dan is an Iowa State grad (and fan- yuck! Haha! All in good fun, Dan! ) and architect in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. He loves to bring childcare centers to small towns. Next to skilled nursing, childcare centers have the most building regulations!
- He is SUCH an amazing advocate for CHILDCARE! (He made sure to NOT call this profession babysitting!) Dan points out that young families will not stay in or move to small towns if there is not high quality childcare available to them.
- Iowa, and much of the Midwest, is suffering a labor shortage. Childcare isn’t just for the little ones, it’s to keep parents comfortable and working too.
- Dan says old buildings, especially old schools, can be a blight on a small town. It’s so sad to see them fall into disrepair, and to keep Iowa towns thriving, quality childcare is key for that!
- Dan discusses how the childcare industry is “upside down.” Lead teaching positions can pay less than starting wage at a convenience store and offer no benefits. He’s so understanding of making sure projects fit the individual goals of each community and fit the BUDGET!
- Dan mentions another inspirational project, Little Knights Learning Center, in Dysart, Iowa. He also recommends the resource Child Care Resource and Referral for families looking for high-quality childcare in Northeast Iowa.
Connect with Dan Levi
Dan’s contact information can be found on his company website, Levi Architecture.
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