The City of Alexander and community partners celebrated the successful grand opening and ribbon cutting of Bright Minds Daycare on Saturday, April 25, marking a significant milestone for childcare access and early childhood development in western North Dakota.
The event, held at the new facility at 1115 Bruegger Street, brought together local leaders, families, and project partners for an afternoon of celebration, remarks, and tours. Attendees enjoyed a community meal provided by The Little Griddle Cafe and sponsored by ONEOK, followed by a formal ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity to explore the new space.
Bright Minds Daycare is the result of a strong collaborative effort among the City of Alexander, McKenzie County, McKenzie County Economic Development, the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, JLG Architects, First Dakota Enterprises, Houston Engineering, and numerous local leaders and supporters.
The facility represents the expansion of a long-standing childcare need in the community. Owner and operator Nicole Holen has provided childcare in Alexander since 2016, previously operating out of a small home-based setting with a consistent waitlist of more than 20 children. Her passion for early childhood education is reflected throughout the new center.
“Kids are my life—taking care of them, teaching them, and watching them grow,” said Holen.
The new facility has capacity for up to 70 children and serves a wide age range—from infants to school-age youth up to 12 years old. Thoughtfully designed classrooms include dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and early learners, along with an engaging after-school area to support working families during critical hours between school dismissal and the end of the workday. The center is staffed by five full-time employees and two part-time team members.
Local leaders emphasized the broader economic and community impact of the project.
“Childcare is foundational to workforce recruitment and retention, and we are excited about the additional childcare capacity in the area,” said Meghan Taunton, Director of McKenzie County Economic Development.
The project also reflects the dedication of numerous contributors who helped bring the vision to life, including leadership from First Dakota Enterprises, design work from JLG Architects, and ongoing support from McKenzie County, the McKenzie County Job Development Authority, and the City of Alexander.
“Bright Minds Daycare will play an important role in supporting working families and strengthening our workforce. We’re proud of what has been accomplished and excited for the impact this facility will have for years to come,” said Alexander Mayor Kenny Willcox.
For more information about Bright Minds Daycare or childcare availability, please contact the City of Alexander or Bright Minds Daycare directly.
