Ignite Emporia continues work on several fronts to help the area’s childcare “deficit.”
Executive Director Sherry Harrison, KVOE’s Newsmaker guest Friday, says there have been a lot of conversations on what’s needed — and she says there is a definite need, both from the employer and employee perspective.
Meanwhile, Harrison says employers need 24-7 access to childcare, something that doesn’t exist in Lyon County at this time. To that end, Ignite Emporia is working to secure some large-scale state and federal grant funding. Harrison says conversations between Ignite, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, USD 253, Flint Hills Technical College, Emporia State and CareArc led to the grant opportunities.
Two of the potential grants are sizeable, with one offering $1.8 million, and another worth $1.2 million. Other grants are available to help existing providers with new toys or playground equipment and possible short-term salary enhancements.
Other concerns revolve around salaries and benefits for childcare workers. As the grant effort continues, Ignite Emporia continues its work with the METL Coalition — Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, Lawrence — that could lead to enhanced salaries and “creative” approaches to benefits.
Harrison is pleased Flint Hills Technical College is poised to launch its new early childhood education program this fall, and she says discussions continue for education, including internships, both at the college and Emporia State.