PHOTO GALLERY | Foundation for the future: The Learning Lamp cuts ribbon on renovated Somerset facility

SOMERSET, Pa. – The Learning Lamp’s child care center in Somerset has grown to feature six state-of-the-art classrooms and expanded age-appropriate playgrounds, which were celebrated Thursday at a ribbon-cutting that got children involved.

“With this renovation, we were really able to spread out and give each age group their appropriate space,” center Director Natalie Hinton said.

The improvements to the former health club building at 451 Aberdeen Drive wrapped up earlier this year. They were the result of the Child Care Works for Somerset campaign, which was launched in 2021.

PHOTO GALLERY | The Learning Lamp Center for Children in Somerset Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Before the project began, children from all age groups shared one room, split by shelves and dividers. Now, The Learning Lamp occupies the majority of the building, with six classrooms equipped with bathrooms and child-sized sinks.

The center’s capacity has grown to 121 children.

About 73 children are currently being served by 17 staff members, and as more employees are brought on board, more slots will open, Hinton said. She said she has four employees in training and more children are expected to enroll this summer.

The renovations started in 2022, with new paint, utilities, rooms and flooring installed by Somerset-based Green Mountain Construction Group, all while the center continued to operate.

Hinton said the project was a “huge challenge,” but the expansion has been a “huge blessing.” She credited The Learning Lamp President and CEO Leah Spangler for raising funds for the project.

“To me, I’m very proud of it,” said Melanie Downing, a young toddler teacher and open group supervisor for five years. “It makes me really happy to come to work.”

Spangler; state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Fayette; and Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Aldom spoke before the ribbon was cut.

“The work that happens in this building and every early childhood program in Somerset is the foundation on which the future of our community rests,” Spangler said. “Early childhood educators like those in this building are literally shaping the Somerset County of tomorrow. I can’t think of more important work than that.”

She said that the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges, but she commended the project’s numerous donors and the efforts of the center’s staff and Green Mountain Construction Group to collaborate and get the work done.

“We also could not have done it without the public support we got,” Spangler said.

Stefano, the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Early Childhood Education Caucus, told the crowd that “proper child care is not just a service – it’s a pillar of our community.”