Methodist Village to build early learning center, add 19 jobs

Methodist Village Senior Living (MVSL) in Fort Smith plans to invest more than $2 million to build what officials there say will be a “transformative community initiative” to address a regional shortage in affordable child care for infants through 5 years.

The Village Early Learning Center, set to open in January 2027, will be located in a building near Methodist Village’s main campus that was previously used by Bost, a provider of services to people with special needs.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors in September voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the land and former Bost buildings at 1801 S. 74th St. to Methodist Village. The property was once donated by Methodist Village to Bost, so the board action returned the property to Methodist Village.

Methodist Village CEO Melissa Curry said the learning center project is estimated to cost $2.2 million, with $1 million provided by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“This project has been years in the making and is deeply rooted in our mission,” Curry said in a statement. “We believe strong communities are built when we care for both ends of life, our seniors and our youngest learners. The Village Early Learning Center is more than a day care; it is a place where children will be nurtured, educated and loved.”

Curry said the new center will employ 19 full-time workers when fully operational, and has 134 spots for infants and children. She said the center will have “more of a curriculum than a day care does,” and will focus on providing hands-on learning rather than screen time learning. Curry said the center also will have two classes for “wobblers,” which are children between infants and toddlers.

A Methodist Village press release said the learning center will be “uniquely positioned to address the growing child care shortage impacting workforce participation, particularly among health care workers, educators and military families.” Curry said the center will not be open for enrollment until closer to its planned opening.

Methodist Village also is working on a trail system that will connect to the nearby Carol Ann Cross Park trails recently renovated and expanded by the city of Fort Smith. The estimated cost of the new Methodist Village trail is $216,000, with $196,000 coming from an Arkansas Department of Transportation grant.

“This sidewalk project reflects our commitment to building an interconnected, inclusive campus,” Curry said. “By linking MVSL to Carol Ann Cross Park, we are investing in safety, wellness, and quality of life for residents, families and neighbors alike.”

Methodist Village Senior Living opened in March 1961, and its services now include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation. Methodist Village has about 180 residents and 236 employees at its main facility located at 7811 Super Lane, according to Curry.