LARNED — When the shortage of daycare providers was identified as a significant workforce impediment, Pawnee County business and community leaders stepped up to seek innovative solutions, said Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital administrator.
Urban is one of more than 26 active members in the newly formed Childcare Task Force. The group was formed as a result of local discussions about enhancing the local business climate.
The task force, which met for the first time Feb. 21, includes current Pawnee County home-daycare providers, as well as leaders from Caring Hands Day Care Center on the Larned State Hospital campus.
“These members all support efforts to bring additional childcare services to our county,” Urban said. “The task force is committed to supporting our vital current providers and helping us find new avenues to adding more childcare services.”
It has been determined that services are needed for an additional 74-80 children.
“This big number surprised the group but it also motivated us to stay the course and try to make a difference,” Urban commented. “This is so important to the local workforce. Businesses make offers to prospective employees but those offers are rejected because applicants cannot find daycare.
“In addition, some employees quit their jobs or work fewer hours for the same reason. Most families need all adults in the home to earn a salary and have access to health insurance.”
Another task force member, Cheryl Hoberecht, RN and Pawnee County Health Department administrator, noted that daycare shortages are a major stressor for families locally and nationwide.
“When businesses can’t hire new employees, they may not be able to maintain operations or might even have to close their doors,” Hoberecht cautioned. “Pawnee County simply cannot afford to lose businesses. Young people won’t be attracted to settling here, which has a huge negative impact on economic development.”
Hoberecht also noted there is a need for nighttime childcare, especially because of shift work in the community.
The task force also will help determine if there is interest in opening a new childcare facility in Larned.
May 17 event
A Career Fair was offered Wednesday, May 3, at the Larned Community Center and the task force has arranged a free orientation session for 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at the Pawnee County Health Department.
This session is designed for anyone interested in becoming an in-home childcare provider. For more information, contact Felicia Fyler at the Barton County Health Department by calling 620-793-1902; Fyler is the area Child Care Licensing Surveyor.
This session will provide all the necessary information on how to start an in-home daycare business. Currently, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment is waiving fees for those interested in a daycare career.
“If you start a home daycare, you probably will have enough children to care for continuously,” Hoberecht noted.
Urban and Hoberecht both voiced their appreciation to everyone on the task force.
“We appreciate all the time and effort each member has dedicated to this cause, especially their commitment to current daycare providers,” Urban said. “Task force members’ knowledge and support propelled us to go forward and ensured we were on the right path.”
Hoberecht summed up her appreciation by saying “great people build great communities.”
