Summary:
$10,000 grants available for child care providers in Wyoming.
Wyoming has a 30% childcare gap, with significant workforce implications.
10,000 individuals are out of the workforce due to childcare access issues.
Partnership with Harvard Growth Lab aims to foster economic growth.
Grant applications open on January 1.
Introducing the Childcare Provider Start-up Grant
By Katie Klingsporn
Recently, the Wyoming Community Foundation announced the Childcare Provider Start-up Grant, which has already sparked significant interest, even during the busy holiday season.
Micah Richardson from the foundation noted, "The quick response shows there's a clear need for this initiative. We hope to address the childcare gaps across Wyoming."
Grant Details
The program offers awards up to $10,000 to child care providers for startup or expansion costs. The focus is on those serving communities with limited or no childcare options, especially home-based providers.
With a staggering drop in childcare providers from 721 in 2014 to 527 in December 2024, it's evident that Wyoming faces a 30% childcare gap, impacting families and the workforce.
Graph showing child care capacity and providers in Wyoming. Despite fewer providers, capacity has grown, indicating larger facilities.
Workforce Impact
Kristin Fong from the Wyoming Business Council highlighted that nearly 10,000 individuals are out of the workforce due to lack of childcare access. This initiative aims not only to balance supply and demand but also to tackle workforce challenges in the state.
Legislative Efforts
Although there's legislative interest in early childhood education, progress has been slow. A proposal for a state endowment to fund early childhood education was recently voted down.
Addressing the Supply Shortfall
The shortage of child care is a nationwide issue, but Wyoming's rural nature intensifies the problem. The working group views this as a significant business problem that needs urgent attention.
Collaborative Efforts
The grant program stems from a partnership involving the Wyoming Business Council, state agencies, and the Harvard Growth Lab. The Pathways to Prosperity project initiated in 2022 aims to create sustainable economic growth in Wyoming.
Farmers often lack childcare, affecting their ability to work.
Recommendations and Funding
The Growth Lab's policy recommendations urge the state to provide resources for both large centers and home-based operations, including removing unnecessary regulations and offering grants.
The grant funding pool has been seeded with $50,000 from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation and $30,000 from the Wyoming Community Foundation.
Application Process
Grant applicants must be licensed or working towards licensure. The funding can support various needs, including safety equipment and renovations.
Richardson emphasizes the importance of sustainable funding: "We want to ensure that the support we provide helps in the long run."
Applications open on January 1.
This article was originally published by WyoFile and is republished here with permission.
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