top of page
Image by Tanaphong Toochinda

Welcome to ABCC!

Early Childhood Education

For Barton County Children

We're Hiring! Check out our available jobs and join our team today.
Lean More

Welcome to ABCC

Advancing Barton County Childcare

Business Partnership

ABCC, Inc. was born from conversations with our businesses where they expressed that lack of childcare was a major barrier to hiring employees. As a partner of Great Bend Economic Development we always strive to keep our businesses informed and at the table. 

Future Location

We are in a growing phase! Our future home will be located on the Farmer's Plaza site at 10th and K96 in Great Bend. We are very excited to get this facility up and running, but please be patient as we take our time to ensure we are building the best possible childcare center for your children!

Contact Us

For questions about ABCC, Inc., our partnership with GBED, please reach out HERE.

For curriculum specific, waiting list inquiries, and operation related questions, stay tuned as we get the right childcare provider hired to move us forward and answer all of these questions. 

Newsworthy

For all of our newsworthy updates please check HERE.

 

The content posted in this section has been ABCC approved!

Mission

Our Mission

To provide quality, reliable and sustainable childcare solutions to the citizens of Barton County. 

Our Board

Meet the Board

Advancing Barton County Childcare

Our Board team consists of business leaders, public sector leaders and childcare professionals. Together, this team is committed to establishing high quality childcare centers and support. 

Tricia headshot.jpeg

Tricia Reiser

  • Tricia Reiser

Tricia Reiser is the Assistant Superintendent at USD428 and serves on the ABCC board as Chairman. 

Laura _edited.jpg

Laura Maneth

  • Laura Maneth

Laura Maneth is the HR Director for University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus and serves on the ABCC Board as Vice Chairman.

Mary headshot.jpeg

Mary Foley

  • Mary Foley

Mary Foley is the Director of Workforce Training and Economic Development at Barton Community College and joins the ABCC board as Secretary. 

Jake headshot.jpeg

Jake West

  • Jake West

Jake West is the General Manager at Fuller Industries and joins the ABCC board as Treasurer. 

Sara Head Shot.jpg

Sara Arnberger

  • Sara Arnberger

Sara Arnberger is President at Great Bend Economic Development and joins the ABCC board as a board member and GBED representative.

Phil Metro.jpeg

Phjl Metro

  • Phil Metro

Phil Metro is the Manufacturing Manager/Sustainability at Superior Essex and joins the ABCC board as a board member. 

059-122-1.jpg

Jim Blackwell

  • Jim Blackwell

Jim Blackwell is CEO at Clara Barton Medical Center and joins the ABCC board as a board member. 

Larissa.jpeg

Larissa Graham

  • Larissa Graham

Larissa Graham is the Director at the Barton Community College Child Development Center and joins the ABCC board as a board member. 

Cody.jpeg

Cody Schmidt

  • Cody Schmidt

Cody Schmidt is Mayor of Great Bend and joins the ABCC board as a board member. 

Matt headshot_edited_edited.jpg

Matt Patzner

  • Matt Patzner

Matt Patzner is the Barton County Administrator and joins the ABCC Board as a board member. 

Debbie.jpeg

Debbie Stephens

  • Debbie Stephens

Debbie Stephens is the Director at GPS Kids and joins the ABCC board as a board member. 

The ABCC team has been working hard to bring this childcare center to life. As we continue on in our journey, you can check back here for updates, FAQ's and more. 

"Our goal was and is to create a self-sustaining center with high standards of education and care and competitive pay. We’re very pleased to have secured zoning approval for our childcare land, while this is certainly a huge milestone in the project, we have many more to conquer before we have a completed project. We will be sure to share and celebrate all of the coming milestones with the public, right here, as they happen."

ABCC News Articles and Press Releases

Items in this category coming soon.

Our Team

View our Site Director posting HERE

Email your resume for this position HERE

Center Operation Updates

Once we release a child waiting list, you'll find it here. 

FAQ

Commonly asked questions will be found here as well as resources to help you find childcare in the region!

Newsworthy
Contact Us

Contact Us

Our address and contact details

Mailing Address

Great Bend Economic Development

ATTN: ABCC

PO Box 1643

Great Bend, KS 6530

Phone & Email

Phone:

620.796.2407

Email: director@gbedinc.com

Business Hours

Monday - Friday

8;00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed Weekends

Facility Tours

None at this time

bottom of page