Digging equipment marked the start of construction for a new early childhood education facility in Post Falls, Idaho, as officials broke ground on the Goddard School campus. The project, reported by cdapress.com, represents a significant expansion of private educational options in Kootenai County, focusing on structured learning environments for young children rather than traditional daycare models.
New Facility Details and Capacity
The 12,000-square-foot building will be constructed by Young Construction on Fennecus Road. Once completed, the center is expected to enroll up to 150 children ranging in age from six weeks to six years old. The facility features an indoor gymnasium, a climbing wall, and distinct playground areas separated by age group to ensure safety and appropriate play.
Co-owners Chris Carson and Sara Carson operate Goddard School North Idaho. They chose the Post Falls location after experiencing the brand’s educational model firsthand when their own child attended a Goddard School in Baltimore. The Carsons emphasized that the institution prioritizes academic readiness alongside care.
“It’s definitely more of a learning institution. It is an early childhood education center,” Sara Carson told the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Curriculum and Security Measures
The school will utilize the “Wonder of Learning” curriculum, which was developed by a team including educators, researchers, physicians, and early childhood experts. Classrooms are organized by age groups and designed according to Goddard’s specific standards. The Carsons noted that teacher-to-student ratios at the facility will exceed Idaho state requirements, providing smaller class sizes than mandated.
Security is a central component of the building’s design. The campus will feature secure-entry doors requiring fingerprint or passcode access, surveillance cameras throughout the property, and a staff-monitored check-in system to control visitor access. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled to occur two to three times per year to discuss student progress.
Families will also have access to a companion mobile application. The app allows parents to view daily reports on meals, naps, and activities, as well as lesson plans and photos from the classroom. Sara Carson stated that this level of engagement reflects her vision for modern early education.
“That’s really what I think early education should be about,” Sara Carson told the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Timeline for Completion
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Post Falls Goddard School is scheduled for spring 2027. The development adds to a growing list of infrastructure projects in North Idaho, similar to other local expansions such as the Montrose Sports Complex in Coeur d’Alene. As construction proceeds, the Carsons aim to provide a high-standard educational environment for Kootenai County families.