Just since this past July, Calhoun, Webster and Pocahontas counties, served by Linking Families and Communities, have seen a net loss of 17 childcare providers, losing spots for 154 children. The year before, the area also experienced a loss of 23 providers for a total of 252 childcare spaces lost in that year. With the expanding economy and new industries coming to these areas, the problem of finding suitable childcare is becoming even more critical. Linking Families and Communities has partnered with Child Care Resources and Referral of Northwest Iowa to set up a fund that will assist childcare providers in these three counties with start-up costs. First-time registered child development home providers will be able to apply for up to $1,000 and a newly licensed child care center is eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to offset their start-up costs. Funding will be available through June 30 of this year. More information and applications can be found by using the contact information included below.
_________________________
Contact a Child Care Consultant:
Jami Huster: 515-573-0029 jhuster@midsioux.org
Rebekah Hungate: 515-573-0038 rhungate@midsioux.org
