Child care, or the lack of, is taking center stage in Anderson County. There have been a few private daycares open the county recently, and Parkwood Day School has also opened, which alleviates some of the load. Now the focus shifts to the affordability of day care services. A recent survey in Kansas found that over 10% of those not working, were not working because they couldn’t find affordable child care. Several Anderson County daycares, including Parkwood do accept state funding, or DFC for payment, but, what about the people who don’t qualify for DCF and are stuck in the middle? Anderson County Agency Director, Julie Turnipseed, says that is one area of a new needs assessment survey they want more information on:
In the meantime, USD 479, Crest is considering adding their own daycare facilities as an amenity and in an effort to attract and retain teachers and staff and fill a need in the community. You can find the child care survey on the “Love What’s Local “ facebook page and on the Anderson County Economic Development Website.
