Expanding access to childcare is the focus of a new countywide study to address the shortage of early learning programs to address childcare-related employee absenteeism. Supporting early learning and child care has become a top priority in our community. In 2019, a child care task force was formed comprised of individuals representing local government, employers, providers, parents, schools, and nonprofit organizations. This task force grew out of Mayor Barton’s Workforce Development Round Table discussions.
The task force conducted a needs assessment survey and from those results, a strategic plan was created to address specific areas of need. An Early Childhood Coalition will be established and will provide a comprehensive and coordinated network of services that will work in our community to enhance outcomes for children, families, employers and providers.
The $24,000 study was funded by the city, Montgomery County Community Foundation, Wabash College, LSC Communications, Pace Dairy, Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Indiana West Advantage, the Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery United Fund.
Click the link to the below for more information about the Early Childhood Coalition and to view the survey and strategic plan.