Building: For the Sake of Others Overview
We are grateful to share this building with your families and recognize it as a place where your children learn and grow each day. As Ethos Church continues to grow, we believe we are being called to expand our space — not for our own comfort, but to better serve others in our community. This expansion is about creating room for more children, families, and individuals to experience connection, support, and belonging. At the same time, we remain committed to being thoughtful partners to the Childcare Center and to prioritizing the safety and well-being of your children throughout this process.
The project includes a new addition on the north side of the building, featuring a foyer and auditorium. Renovations will also combine two unused rooms into one larger space, repurpose the existing auditorium for shared use by the Childcare Center and Sunday Ethos Kids, and refresh children’s areas with updated graphics and design elements.
At the heart of these enhancements is a desire to create welcoming environments that communicate belonging and value. We believe investing in the next generation is one of our greatest responsibilities, and this project is designed to serve children and families both now and for years to come.
Safety & Supervision
-
How will children be kept safe during construction?
Ethos is partnering with Elford Construction, who is a leader within our city for construction management, for this project. One of the reasons that we selected them as Ethos’ General Contractor is due to their history and intentional approach with school projects.
-
Will construction areas be fully separated from childcare spaces?
The construction will be accomplished in phases. The first phase will be an addition to the existing facility. This phase of the project is scheduled to last 7 months and will have separation from the childcare classrooms with fencing, covers and other protective measures to keep your children safe.
The second phase of the building will be to remodel the existing church side of the building, and a few classroom adjustments. There will be a restroom added to the classroom currently not used by the Center, and the two room by Christina’s office will be merged together. Additionally, the existing auditorium will be transformed into a large group space. These changes will allow us to welcome additional children to the Center’s program and provide a better indoor playspace for children during the colder months.
-
What safety barriers, fencing, or locked access points will be used?
The construction area for the first phase of the project will be fenced off and locked for the safety of anyone who is on the property.
-
Are background checks required for all construction workers?
Yes. Part of our agreement with Elford is that all construction employees and subcontractors are to have completed background checks and company identification (ID badge, hard hat, vest, etc.)
-
Will children ever be near active construction areas?
There could be construction occurring while children are outside during play time. Between the construction fence/barriers as well as the playground fence, children will remain safe. If the Director and staff determine that there is too much dust in the air, they will adjust play time to occur inside, similar to the colder months of the year.
-
How will emergency procedures change, if at all?
The emergency procedures will remain in place. Our team alongside Elford will provide additional training and install additional emergency protocol during the construction phase.
Health & Environment
-
Will there be increased noise, dust, or vibrations?
Controls will be implemented in collaboration with our General Contractor to minimize noise, dust, and vibrations, ensuring the Childcare Center’s daily operations can continue with minimal disruption. The General Contractor will ensure the site and facility remain safe, secure, and well maintained throughout the project.
-
How will air quality be monitored and maintained?
In compliance with Delaware County and the Ohio EPA, air quality will be monitored outdoors and indoors. Ethos has already installed air purifiers within the kids wing to provide the children and staff with better air quality.
-
Will children be exposed to construction materials, chemicals, or fumes?
Protective measures will be in place so that children will not be exposed to construction materials, chemicals or fumes.
-
How will cleaning and sanitization be handled during the project?
Cleaning and sanitizing the facility will continue to be a high priority for Ethos and occur multiple times throughout the week.
-
Could construction affect nap times or daily routines?
The Childcare Center’s schedule is to remain consistent for your children. It is a priority for Ethos and the Center to have predictable routines and nap times for the success and wellbeing of children. If noise from the project became a barrier for children to nap, we would partner with our General Contractor to adjust construction schedules to meet the needs of the Center.
Daily Operations & Schedule
-
Will classroom locations change temporarily?
There will be no change in classroom location during the addition phase of the project. During the remodel of the interior space, there is a chance that classrooms could adjust the location within the building. If or when this occurs, the Center will communicate several weeks in advance so that parents and children are well prepared.
-
Will drop-off and pick-up procedures change?
These will remain consistent throughout the construction process.
-
Are there changes to operating hours?
The Center’s hours of operation will remain as they are. We will continue to open at 7:00am and close at 6:00pm throughout the construction process.
-
Will outdoor play areas be impacted?
During this phase of the project, the outdoor playground will not undergo construction. In the future, we'd like to renovate the outdoor playground with new soft surfaces, fencing, and playground equipment.
-
How long is the construction expected to last?
Our General Contractor’s timeframe for the addition is 7 months and the interior remodel could be 4-6 weeks. The interior remodel itself will occur in phases so that the Childcare Centers daily programming can continue.
Staffing & Supervision
-
Will teacher-to-child ratios remain the same?
Teach-to-child ratios will continue as is and will meet licensing requirements.
-
Will staff receive additional training related to construction safety?
The Childcare Center staff will receive additional training on the following but not limited to; identification of personnel, emergency preparedness and response, building safety and hazard identification.
-
Who is the point of contact for questions or concerns during the project?
Ethos’ Associate Pastor, Vinnie will be overseeing the construction project on behalf of the church as well as a licensed member of the Childcare Center’s team. He will be accessible for additional questions regarding the project and the Childcare Center. Additionally, Pastor Vinnie is regularly at the Childcare Center to support the staff and program. You can connect with him by email at vinnie@ethosoh.com
Communication & Updates
-
How will families be informed of progress or changes?
Families can expect to receive updates through BrightWheel and from staff. Additionally, we will be discussing with Elford to provide written and visual updates.
-
How often will updates be shared?
The first update will be provided before construction begins and throughout the different phases of the project. Ie: site development, framing, utility install, etc.
-
How can families raise concerns or provide feedback?
Pastor Vinnie will be overseeing the construction project and can be reached by email, vinnie@ethosoh.com
-
Will there be opportunities to tour the new space once completed?
We’d love to have Childcare Center families visit and tour the space.
Licensing, Compliance & Insurance
Does the project comply with childcare licensing regulations?
The team of architects, civil engineers, and General contractors have worked hard to ensure that all compliances are being met for childcare center licensing.
Has the project been reviewed by inspectors or local authorities?
The plans and project are reviewed and approved by the following municipalities; Orange Twp zoning, Orange Twp fire, Delaware County Engineer, OEPA, and more.
Is the center’s insurance updated to cover construction activities?
The insurance provider is aware of the addition to the facility and will be insuring the project and process.
Kids Classroom Designs
New looks, same heart – preview renovation plans for
Ethos Childcare Center classrooms
Benefits of the Project
-
What improvements or benefits will this project bring to children and families?
The existing auditorium will become a space dedicated to the use of children and students. And this space will provide a nice, open space for children of the Center to experience gross-motor play. Additionally, the children’s classrooms will receive new graphic designs to inspire fun and spark creative learning.
-
Will tuition or fees be affected now or in the future?
Tuition rates will not be impacted by the construction project. The Center’s tuition rates are evaluated on an annual basis for adjustments that take effect September 1st of each year.
