What are the issues?
Educating the community about the importance of early childhood development
Creating a financial and service system to ensuring access to affordable, quality care
Why is this issue important to the community at this time?
Realization that early childhood development is an economic development and educational issue due to recent brain development research and the future demand for quality employees has spurred action. Most child care is provide by uncertified caregivers.
What is causing this to happen?
Public/private community collaboration and study of the issue has moved the issue to the forefront.
Who is most affected by this issue?
The quality, access and cost issues directly affect preschool children and their families. Indirectly, the community suffers when children enter the K-12 system unprepared to learn. Long term, the community’s economic health is affected when trained and trainable employees are not available.
How is this issue being addressed in Salina and Saline County?
A community collaboration of 40+ business people have researched the issue including community needs and strengths and have developed an action plan to address the need.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges presented by this issue?
Opportunities:
Strengthening successful early childhood initiatives such as Smart Start, Parents As Teacher, Heartland Programs, etc.
Growing community knowledge and support around the issue.
Challenges:
Addressing all other challenges surrounding this issue depends on the community’s understanding of the issue’s impact on the future of all segment of the community
Strengthening parent education
Funding assistance to low income families
Providing adequate, affordable quality childcare and education
Increasing infant and disabled care
Providing sick child care
Who are contact persons for community action on this issue?
Peggy Graves, Saline County Child Care Resource & Referral, 785-825-4861
Kory Powell-Hensley, Heartland Early Education Program, 785-309-5000
