A new preschool will be opening in Mount Vernon this fall.

Marjorie Martel has announced that she will be opening Fresh Air Childcare center in Mount Vernon.

Martel, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the 1970s and 1980s and is looking at the preschool and childcare center as one that embraces some of those experiences she had growing up of being out in nature, things like mushroom hunting or gardening.

Martel has spent the past 15 years working as a librarian at a school.

“When I was retiring from education, I kept coming back to my background in nature and wanted to continue my work with children,” Martel said. “What I’ve discovered in my education over the years is kids respond to nature and it keeps them engaged and curious. “

Martel said that she is looking to establish a butterfly garden, as well as vegetable garden at the preschool location so kids have the opportunity to watch some of the foods they would be eating and growing.

Martel said she had the idea for a nature-based preschool and a friend recommended the Mount Vernon community.

“I fell in love with the community after visiting,” Martel said.

She is working now with Health and Human Services to have her location ready to open in the fall of 2025.

“I can’t wait to get started with my first group of students,” Martel said.

Fresh Air Childcare’s name comes from the approach to childcare. As a preschool, the childcare center will target 3-to-5 year olds.

Mertel said her goal is to keep her center smaller, providing a start for 6 to 8 children and growing to a maximum of 10.

She chose the former Alice in Wonderland’s building as the basis for the center due to its location to uptown for ability to make tours to area businesses and connect students to the community there as well.

“I feel I found the perfect place for this childcare venture,” Martel said. “I want these children to be able to get out into the community, and love the proximity as well to
Cole Library. I’m excited to see how the community works together.”

Cole Library being joined with Cornell College library is also something she views as a positive for young children to see and experience in their younger lives.

The preschool will operate year round, with an opportunity for summer camps.

Martel will look to host a booth at her location during the community wide garage sales in June to explore the space and allow families to see what is at offering.

Martel also loves Mount Vernon’s love of the arts, looking forward to festivals like Chalk the Walk and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theater’s productions.

Martel is also a master gardener, already growing some of the seeds she looks to plant. She loves hiking, spending time with her two dogs and time outdoors.

Martel is also a master gardener, already growing some of the seeds she looks to plant.

She loves hiking, spending time with her two dogs and time outdoors.

“I’m excited to learn more about the local culture of the community as well,” Martel said.

Martel can be reached at [email protected].