Child Care Aware of Kansas recently recognized 18 Northwest Kansas counties and communities as Child Care Community Champions, honoring their dedication to strengthening local child care systems.
Northwest counties and communities recognized include:
- Cheyenne County Childcare Initiative
- Decatur County Child Care
- Ellis County Child Care Task Force
- Ellis Community Child Care Coalition (community of Ellis)
- Victoria Community Coalition, Inc.
- Quinter Community Development
- Graham County Little Roosters Day Care Foundation
- Jewell County Strong, Inc.
- Oakley Child Care Coalition
- Bennington Child Care Coalition
- Rawlins County Childcare Stakeholders
- Growing Children Republic County Foundation
- Plainville Wellness Coalition
- Russell County Childcare Coalition
- Saline County Early Childhood Initiative
- Sheridan County Community Foundation
- Sherman County Childcare Coalition
- Wallace County Community Child Care Coalition
Childcare is an important issue to Northwest Kansas, said the Innovation Center Childcare Program Specialist, Dana Jo Stanton.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with Child Care Aware of Kansas to help establish and support child care coalitions across the region. These coalitions are comprised of local volunteers who just want to improve childcare in their community.”
Childcare coalitions are often formed to address a shortage of childcare slots but frequently go beyond that need.
“I am pleased to see many of our childcare coalitions working to better support current childcare providers,” said Stanton. “Adding new childcare slots is only part of the solution. It is critical that we also support the current childcare workforce.”
For more information on how to get involved in community childcare support, contact Stanton at 785-874-5150.
Photo Caption: The Russell County Childcare Coalition was one of 18 Northwest Kansas communities recently recognized as childcare champions.