Decatur Council declines additional funds for 24-hour daycare project, owner vows to press on

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Love, Learning and Laughter Daycare would offer 24-hour care service for working families with children. The city said it invested $1.2 million to get the old Wee Folks daycare up to code. Then, in October 2025, city leaders approved another $400,000 to get the project across the finish line.

"We want to make sure that we have a facility that helps parents get out to work and make sure that our children have a safe place at night," said Cherri Johnson, owner of the daycare.

The costs for improvements were higher than estimated. On Tuesday, Councilman Dennis Cooper requested over $100,000 from the city to complete the project.

"The workforce stability depends on access and reliable childcare. Completing this facility is an investment, and Decatur's future childcare enables parents to work, employers to retain staff and for communities to grow," said one resident.

Despite not approving the funding, council said they believe in the project.

"I'm a childcare provider, but I am a child advocate first at heart. It would mean a lasting impact for our economic development around town, for our families," Johnson said.