Emporia’s efforts to enhance the atmosphere for jobseekers is adding a layer.
Housing and job options have been frequently addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but City Manager Trey Cocking also mentioned childcare options as a priority during KVOE’s Talk of Emporia recently.
This follows an exodus of licensed providers throughout the pandemic as discussed in a separate KVOE News interview with Flint Hills Community Health Center Childcare Licensing Specialist Jamie Roberts on Friday, in large part because of COVID but also because of other factors, including retirements or other job opportunities. The exodus has slowed down, but there hasn’t been a bump in people wanting to get into childcare. Cocking says things have changed dramatically since COVID started.
The Flint Hills Community Health Center says there is an urgent demand to help parents with children ages 5 and below. In the current environment, Cocking says families reach a “price point” where it’s no longer feasible to have both parents working, which opens up another job availability in Emporia and Lyon County. Cocking says city leaders are determining exactly how to move forward. This could include conversations with major employers and childcare providers to build a plan that works locally.
To be a licensed childcare provider or learn more about the process, call Flint Hills Community Health Center Childcare Licensing Specialist Jamie Roberts at 620-342-4864 EXT 5 or visit flinthillshealth.org/childcare.
