There is a child care crisis and it is a community, family, business, and workforce issue. Child Care Aware of Kansas estimates that the desired capacity of child care providers in the state meets only 49% of the potential demand. I have been on the search for child care before and every week social media presents inquiries for quality childcare or a provider working to acquire licensure.
This issue can be addressed and opportunities are out there for businesses and communities. I recently attended a Communities in Action Workshop for Bourbon and Crawford Counties and learned about the following possibilities that I invite you to take a part in.
Child Care Community Partnership Grants
Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, can help you create and implement community-driven solutions and unique strategies to ensure that young children and families in your community thrive. There will be two funding opportunities for communities working to address access to affordable, high-quality child care.
Learn more and start planning by registering for a Communities in Action Workshop. It will be offered for Allen and Woodson counties from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Humboldt Sports Complex. Register online.
A program for Neosho, Cherokee and Labette counties will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 11 at the DCF Office, 300 N. 17th St., Parsons.
Business Tax Credit Expanded
All Kansas businesses, large or small, can now apply to receive a state income tax credit for providing child care for employees or helping employees pay for child care.
The expansion of the tax credit helps employers support their workforce, even if they are not big enough to create a child care program on their own. It also helps support children’s need for a stable early learning environment. Learn more at https://ks.childcareaware.org/cctc/.
We can all invest in our youngest and in return all in our communities benefit.
For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.
