IRON MOUNTAIN — The Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center, in partnership with Systems Control, plans to open the Little Sparks Child Care Center in the spring.

The center will initially offer 48 slots, including an infant care room with a capacity for 12 babies.

The partnership with Systems Control provides the company with access to affordable, licensed care for its employees.

Construction for the Systems Control Little Sparks Day Care Center began this month. The three-room center will be on the east end of the YMCA and is the first project occurring as part of the YMCA’s Capital Campaign renovations, managed by general contractor Gundlach Champion.

While the partnership with Systems Control gives its employees waiting list preference, the child care center will be open to the public. Should the center fill to capacity, the YMCA will have the ability to expand.

Rates and hours of operation will be announced at a later date, but YMCA officials expect to offer full-time care Monday through Friday, including evenings.

The YMCA estimates it will need 12 to 24 full or part-time staff members for the center.