By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Participants in a childcare crisis summit have set overall goals for an effort to improve the service in Geary County. There is a big shortage in the county, which has one of the highest rates of need in Kansas. Geary County employers and families have 1,800 less child care placements than are needed.
Looking at the issue from a business / industry angle Geary County Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent Deb Andres explained that goals include:
--Coalition leadership capacity needs to be built including goals and vision.
--Identify a strategic plan
--Establish community partnerships with business / industry partners and small business owners.
--Funding will be a need but a community needs assessment will have to be implemented so data can be obtained from it. "Because that's foundational to acquire any state or national funding, said Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent, Deb Andres.
A total of 61 people participated in the summit which included local residents and representatives from USD 475 and Kansas State University. On accomplishments, Andres noted that there was a lot of information sharing that people were not aware of. "I think that everybody could see where they sit at the table in helping work in building childcare capacity in Geary County.
The next step will involve a debriefing with the planning team. There will be a review of information showing who would like to help with the leadership role. Leaders including a president and vice president need to be put in place.
There were a number of information points presented during the summit. The childcare crisis has one of the highest rates of need for both people and businesses. Sometimes one reason an employee is not productive is due to stress so affordable childcare helps businesses with productivity.
To make a difference in meeting the childcare need a dedicated leader with passion is necessary. The effort needs ongoing visibility and push. Investing in the existing workforce is critical.
One gap for childcare includes both before and after school times. Also, there are not enough slots for children in the area.
An estimated 15 - 20% of annual income is required per child. Providers cannot afford to charge less but parents often cannot pay more.
The summit was a good first step but it was only one step. There has to be a commitment to creating goals and strategies.
USD 475 has a plan for a new early childhood center on the site of the former Junction City High School location. It is expected to open by the fall of 2026. Early childcare classrooms at scattered school locations in Junction City will be moved into the new center.