Clay Center Renovation Nears Completion
Kings Community Action Organization is nearing completion of a major renovation at its Clay Center Head Start site, a project that will improve early childhood education services while creating a safer, healthier, and more accessible environment for children and families in Kings County.
The Clay Center renovation was launched in response to aging infrastructure that had reached the end of its useful life. According to KCAO Special Projects Administrator Juan Torres, the previous modular buildings had been in use for more than two decades and showed significant wear and deterioration.
“Over the years, the buildings experienced extensive wear and tear,” Torres said. “There were roofing issues and extensive water damage which created unsafe conditions for children and staff. It became clear that a full replacement was necessary.”
Rather than continuing to repair outdated structures, KCAO removed the old modular units and replaced them with two new buildings. The renovation introduced modern, efficient spaces designed to better serve children receiving Head Start services.
The project is now approximately ninety percent complete. Interior construction is being finalized, and crews are finishing the final details. Despite minor delays during construction, the project remains on schedule and within budget.
“This was truly a team effort,” Torres said. “By working closely with our architects, contractors, and internal departments, we were able to maintain quality while keeping the project financially responsible.”
For Head Start, the renovation represents an important investment in the future of early learning. Michelle Dove, Director of Head Start at KCAO, said the new Clay Center aligns with the program’s long-term vision of providing high quality, family centered education.
“Our goal is to offer a safe and healthy environment for children and families,” Dove said. “The previous buildings had reached a point where ongoing repairs were no longer enough. Families deserve facilities that support learning and well-being.”
The renovated Clay Center will allow Head Start to split the students up between more classrooms to reduce class sizes while maintaining the amount of children they are able to serve, bettering their ability to meet the developmental needs of the children. The site will now include a toddler classroom, helping address long waitlists for younger children and providing more options for families with multiple children of different ages enrolled in the program.
“Kids learn better in smaller group sizes,” Dove said. “and for families with multiple children, being able to drop off infants, toddlers and preschoolers all at one location rather than needing to make multiple stops across town, reduces stress and makes daily routines more manageable. We hope to accomplish this at all Head Start sites in the future”
In addition to the classroom renovation, the site will now include dedicated office space and a resource room for staff and families. These additions will improve access to support services and strengthen connections between families and Head Start staff.
Final inspections and permitting are currently underway. Once occupancy approval is received, furniture installation and licensing will begin. KCAO plans to open the renovated Clay Center in time for Head Start classes to begin in August. Enrollment applications are currently being accepted.
Both Torres and Dove emphasized that the renovation reflects KCAO’s commitment to early childhood education and to supporting families across Kings County.
“Early childhood is one of the most fundamental stages of a child’s development,” Torres said. “This center will provide stability, support, and opportunity, giving children a strong social and educational foundation for future success.”
Dove added that the renovation demonstrates KCAO’s dedication to meeting community needs. “This facility shows how committed we are to providing high quality learning environments and supporting families when they need it most,” she said. “It has been a lot of work, but we are excited to open our doors and welcome families.”
As the Clay Center prepares to open, KCAO looks forward to serving children and families in a space designed to foster learning, growth, and long-term success.
