New Dayton Early Learning Center Set to Open Sept. 21

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley (BGCMV) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its first Dayton Campus at 244 Riverboat Rd.

BGCMV has been serving the community for nearly 30 years and says Lyon County and Dayton Valley continue to face a shortage of early childhood learning and development opportunities. Funded through State of Nevada ARPA funds, the new facility will provide care and early learning opportunities for more than 60 infants and preschoolers.

"The opening of this center is a testament to what can happen when dedicated professionals put children and families first," stated Chief Executive Officer Travis Crowder during the ceremony. "As we stand here together, let's remember that this building is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where children will learn, grow, build confidence, and begin their educational journey. It is a place where families will find support and peace of mind, most importantly, it is a place where futures will be shaped.

"Today, we celebrate not only what has been, but have been accomplished, but also the countless children and families who will benefit from this center for generations to come."

Several representatives presented certificates of recognition from Nevada state officials. Model Dairy representatives were also on hand to present BGCMV with a $7,500 check. The company has been an ongoing supporter of the program for nearly a decade.

"I do have a certificate to read from Senator Cortez Masto, but on a personal note, I do want to say, as a Dayton High School grad, and someone who grew up just down the street here, I know this would have made a huge difference to my family when we lived here and I'm so excited for the future generations who now get to enjoy both the beautiful clubhouse and this ELC," stated Cameron George, regional representative for U.S. Senator Cortez Masto.

County Commissioner John Cassinelli also shared an update on two planned traffic lights in Dayton. Construction is expected to begin in mid-November 2026, which could provide welcome relief as traffic increases around the new BGCMV campus.

Chief Development Officer Nick Beaton said the new Early Learning Center is scheduled to open Sept. 21 and will accommodate 62 children. While the facility is currently at capacity for infant and preschooler enrollment, they are still accepting toddlers. Families can also fill out a membership application and join the waiting list for care.

"As a contractor, I build buildings – I put pieces and parts together," explained President and majority owner of Miles Construction Cary Richardson. "You, as individuals and groups, take those buildings, and you build a community. You build families, you build lives. You make a difference. This facility, and what you do in this facility, is going to make a difference. I'm so thankful to play a small role in what you do."

Ceremony Speakers included BGCMV CEO Crowder, BGCMV Director of Development Beaton, Lyon Commissioner Cassinelli, Lyon County Manager Andrew Haskin, Miles Construction President Richardson, Governor Lombardo's Policy Director Isabel Graf, and regional representatives Ashley Martinez (Sen. Rosen) and Cameron George (Sen. Cortez Masto).

For more details about BGCMV, visit https://bgcmasonvalley.org/ or Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley on Facebook.