Mitchell, South Dakota – A new after-school program in the Mitchell School District has raised concerns among local childcare providers.
The KERNELS Program, which will begin in the 2025-26 school year, will provide free academic support and enrichment to elementary students from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. thanks to private grant funding.
While the district claims the program is not intended to replace daycare, childcare center owner Kayla Lux is concerned that it will drive families away from her business, Little Learners.
According to the Mitchell Republic, Lux recently expanded her facility to meet increasing demand and claims to rely on client fees to stay afloat. With competition from a free, school-based option, Lux is considering changes such as launching 24-hour care and increasing marketing.
City and chamber officials say more collaboration is needed to address the area’s growing childcare needs. Click here for more government stories from MitchellNow.com.
