(Atlantic) In early November, Childcare Resource and Referral of Southwest Iowa sounded the alarm on a childcare shortage in the Atlantic Community. This past fall, multiple childcare programs in Atlantic closed their doors for various reasons, leaving almost 100 children without childcare.
Kelsey Smith-Walhouvd, CCR&R Childcare Consultant, said one of their goals is to recruit and retain the childcare workforce so the community can grow and thrive.
Walhouvd says the biggest problem is there is more demand for childcare than supply for various reasons.
Help is on the way for those people interested in becoming a childcare provider. CCR&R Community Development Specialist Shirley Urich is providing a four-session training opportunity for prospective childcare providers. The online event will be conducted via Zoom for Atlantic area providers. She says the training session takes about an hour and a half.
The startup costs of opening childcare can be somewhat intimidating, including; CPR and first aid training, purchasing fire extinguishers, working smoke detectors, a crib for babies to sleep in, and an entire list of other items needed to start a childcare business. There are bonus stipends to help with startup costs. The program is for anyone 18-years of age and older.
CADCO Director Jenn McEntaffer says financing is available for those interested in getting into the business. A $250.00 grant is available to each prospect, and the goal is to provide a $1,000 match from additional donations.
McEntaffer says Childcare is an economic development issue because without adequate childcare facilities, people don’t go to work, and families travel to workplaces where childcare is available.
Anyone interested in the training event can contact surich@westcca.org or call 712-579-9057. The first session starts on January 4.
