Business of Child Care

Mapleton's Child Care House

child care house

The completed Child Care House in Mapleton represents a right sized, thoughtful solution tailored to the needs of the community. Designed to feel welcoming and residential while delivering high quality child care, this space brings together functionality, comfort, and efficiency in a way that fits seamlessly into Mapleton’s landscape. It reflects a practical approach to addressing local child care challenges without overbuilding, ensuring sustainability for both the provider and the community.

Beyond the structure itself, this new Child Care House creates meaningful impact by supporting economic growth in Mapleton. As a new small business in town, it provides care for 8 to 10 families, giving parents the ability to return to work, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to the local economy. It is a simple but powerful investment that strengthens workforce participation and helps the community continue to grow.

Mapleton's new Child Care House operator

Tiny Roots Child Care

Tiny Roots will soon offer a cozy, nature-inspired child care environment led by Brooke Garvey in Mapleton, Minnesota. The program is preparing to welcome children from 6 weeks to 7 years of age, with plans to offer full-time, part-time, and drop-in care options.

Rooted in play-based learning and centered on empathy and connection, Brooke’s approach will provide a safe, home-like setting where young children can grow, explore, and thrive. As the program prepares for launch, Tiny Roots aims to become a trusted choice for families seeking a warm, relationship-driven care experience in the heart of their community.

Mapleton showed us what true community spirit looks like at their recent picnic and during the T-Mobile Hometown Grant check presentation. It was an inspiring moment to see neighbors, leaders, and partners gather to celebrate a stronger future.

A Strong Start, Powered by Community Support

The Child Care House in Mapleton has been made possible through a growing coalition of community-minded funders and partners who see early care and learning as essential infrastructure. Our funding roadmap reflects a strategic mix of public, private, and philanthropic support, and our ability to tell a compelling, local story has helped make that success possible.

We are proud to recognize those who are helping lay the foundation. Together, they are setting Mapleton’s children and families on a path toward long-term stability and growth. 

stepping stone campaign fundraiser

Join Through the Stepping Stones Campaign

The Stepping Stones campaign invites residents, businesses, and friends of Mapleton to be part of this exciting community project. Each contribution adds to a visible story of growth and commitment, symbolized in a mural that celebrates children’s milestones and Mapleton’s investment in its future.

This is a unique opportunity to join Mapleton’s legacy and help ensure lasting stability for children, families, and the community.

Why is the Child Care House the right solution for Mapleton?

Turnkey and shovel-ready: Designed for rapid deployment, these houses can be move-in ready in under six months.

Built as economic infrastructure: Child care is essential to a thriving economy, and this model ensures long-term value for communities like Mapleton.

We’re proud to see this vision take root in Mapleton and can’t wait to welcome children into this dedicated, home-like space designed to meet the needs of local families.

Want to learn more about the Child Care House? Contact us at info@businessofchildcare.com.

Together, we’re building a brighter future—right here in Mapleton.

child care house
Group photo

A Purpose-Built Space for Child Care

How We Got Here

This initiative builds on several years of planning and early efforts first supported by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to assess child care needs and identify sustainable solutions.

Mapleton and surrounding communities have licensed child care spaces for only about 40% of children under age five, leaving a significant gap for families. By expanding access to child care, this effort strengthens local economic growth and supports working families.

The Solution: A Quality, Move-In-Ready Child Care Space

The Child Care House is a purpose-built, licensed child care space designed to expand access, support providers, and strengthen Mapleton’s local economy.

Expected Outcomes:
Benefits for Providers, Families, and the Community

Sustainable & Supported Child Care Businesses

Turnkey solutions, financial stability, and ongoing support for providers.

Reliable, High-Quality Child Care for Families

Safe, accessible child care that supports family and workforce stability.

Stronger Workforce & Economic Growth

Expanded child care drives employment, attracts families, and boosts the local economy.

contributors
Local and regional resources provide ongoing support for child care operators, assisting with licensing, program development, and community connections

Together, we are bringing child care closer to home and strengthening Mapleton’s future.