Runnebohm Early Learning Center near completion at Intelliplex Park

The Julia and Nicholas Runnebohm Early Learning Center is now accepting registration applications.

With a target opening date of Dec. 9, the unique facility will offer both education and daycare options for Shelby County families with children not yet old enough for kindergarten.

Located in Intelliplex Park, the facility is owned by Early Learning Shelby County and will be operated by Bright Horizons.

“One of the primary attractions at Bright Horizons is the professionalism shown toward teachers and staff, including offering full-time benefits,” said Allison Coburn, Director of Early Learning Shelby County. “That makes us very unique in Shelbyville, Shelby County and in the state. Not many centers are able to say their employers are that.”

Julie Hancock has been hired as the director of the Runnebohm Center.

“We will use our own curriculum, discovery driven learning where you present the learning lesson and then where you go will grow based on the interest of the children in the classroom,” said Hancock. “We ask a lot of why nots? We ask a lot of critical thinking questions to find the child’s interests. The ultimate goal is to get all ages in charge of their own excitement for learning.”

The Shelbyville facility has two wings with multiple classrooms designated for particular age groups. Each wing has two playgrounds with age appropriate play areas.

The hidden gem is in the interior of the facility – a splash pad.

“That is something I wanted from day one,” said Coburn. “When we first started working with the architect, I wanted a water feature because there is a trend of kids not learning to swim and having a fear of water. Motion and movement with water has experiential value to learning.”

Coburn also insisted the facility honor the history of Shelby County in its appearance.

“We are partnering with the Grover Museum and the (Shelby County Public Library) to bring Charles Major’s ‘The Bears of Blue River’ to life for the kids,” she explained.

There are bear paw prints in the concrete walkways outside the facility. There will be storyboards in and around the facility. And each hallway has a blue winding river on the floors that will lead to educational areas.”

Shelbyville-based Runnebohm Construction, founded by Nick Runnebohm, has constructed the facility with as many local and regional contractors as possible.

Knauf Insulation, one of Shelbyville’s largest employers, has sponsored the facility’s lobby area to create a welcoming environment for small children and their families.

“Knauf is going to carry over that Blue River theme with it running through the entryway,” said Coburn. “They’ve been really supportive of that.”

Not only is the Runnebohm Center accepting registration applications, there are still job openings to be filled. The facility will eventually need up to 50 staff members if it reaches maximum capacity of 192 children.

For more information on the Runnebohm Center, go to https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/in/shelbyville/runnebohm or send an email to Runnebohm@brighthorizons.com.

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