This rendering depicts the expansion of Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus.

Central Oregon Community College will host an open house 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 4 at the Madras campus to present the expansion plans for the campus.

The event will include light refreshments, architectural renderings and several speakers who will discuss the planned 24,000-square-foot building. The building is designed to hold a childcare center and early childcare education and nursing programs.

The campus expansion will break ground this spring, with completion anticipated by fall 2025.

Jefferson County needs more people in the early childhood education and healthcare workforce, and officials believe the expansion will help. The county also has a pressing need for childcare services.

The expansion is funded through public, state, federal and institutional funds. The COCC Foundation is currently seeking the remainder of the funding for the project through grants and private philanthropy.