A couple of large, weathered structures in the heart of Vero that have been a drag for years on efforts to breathe life into the downtown area will soon be getting an exciting new use along with a total makeover.

Childcare Resources will move into the buildings that previously housed a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, and plans to use the space to accommodate around 200 children in its preschool program and expand its training sessions for early childhood educators.

“The buildings will be completely renovated. It’s going to be a complete facelift of both buildings,” said Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman. “This campus is going to help us expand what we can offer. It’s truly exciting.”  

The oldest of the large beige structures dates to 1959. Vacant for several years, the buildings are dotted with touches of graffiti.

Purchased by Childcare Resources for $6.25 million, the 2-acre property at 1339 20th Street spans a total of 32,000 square feet.

Plans recently filed at City Hall show the single-story building will feature a state-of-the-art training facility and expand the Wellness and Early Intervention Program. The school will be housed in the two-story structure facing 20th Street. A playground will be added to the property between the two structures.

“It’s a great addition to the revitalization of downtown and fits well in the overall puzzle that will evolve over the next few years,” said downtown property owner and central beach resident T.P. Kennedy.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 1994 as Community Childcare Resources. The following year, it began offering services to 20 children through local childcare centers.

The group changed its name to Childcare Resources of Indian River in 2005 and opened its own school in 2010. The number of students and programs have increased to 122 children aged 6 months to 5 years, plus a waiting list of more than 200.

Twenty of the 122 students are homeless, and most of the children are part of the United Way program for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) people. ALICE households earn more than the federal poverty level but less than the county's basic cost of living.

There is no target month yet for moving into the new quarters as the timing depends on the pace of architectural plans and permits. The cost of the renovations will not be available until the plans are complete.

“We are currently raising funds,” Bowman said.

Wellness and early intervention services will include onsite therapy, hearing and vision screenings and larger training sessions. Plans show a collaboration area for families, and possibly a space for contracted service providers.

A mental health aspect has been added to the organization’s wellness program with a focus on getting to the root of problems that families encounter, seeking to answer the question, “Why does the family keep having this issue.” The goal is to “really fix things,” Bowman said.

“A campus of early child education excellence here in our community is what we are shooting for,” Bowman said.

The new campus will allow Childcare Resources to shrink its long waiting list, and accommodate more requests for added services. Thirty percent of the children need enhanced services now compared to 20 percent pre-Covid.