Napa city and county officials have now committed over $1.5 million in taxpayer funds to support the expansion of a private daycare, Le Petit Elephant Nursery & Preschool. This marks an unusual move to back a for-profit business, but comes amidst a severe childcare shortage in Napa County.
The Press Democrat reports the latest contribution, approved by the Napa City Council on Tuesday, is a $175,000 interest-free loan. This money will cover city-imposed building permits and impact fees, clearing the way for construction at the daycare’s new location, a former church in the Alta Heights neighborhood.
This city loan follows $1.35 million in forgivable loans already provided by Napa County. While acknowledging the risks and concerns about setting a precedent, city leaders emphasized the critical need for more childcare slots. A 2023 report revealed that for every 10 infants born in Napa County, only one has access to licensed childcare.
Le Petit Elephant’s expansion is expected to nearly double its capacity from 130 to 250 children, a crucial increase to prevent the loss of over 100 existing slots when its current lease ends this year. Le Petit Founder Milli Pintachi stated that this funding will help stabilize the business, continue scholarships, and provide “more child care slots, more educational equity and more working families will be supported right here in Napa.”