The Kossuth Childcare Coalition has awarded funds to local daycare providers and projects to help sustain and expand childcare options in the Kossuth County area.
Applicants could apply for a grant, forgivable loan or a low-interest revolving loan from the coalition, depending on the structure of the daycare and the nature of the project. The awards for the first round of funding are as follows:
- Little Sprouts Daycare LLC, a licensed daycare center in Algona owned by Samantha Elbert, was awarded $20,000 as a forgivable loan for wage enhancements.
- Jeanne Berkland, a Registered Child Development Home (B) in Algona, was awarded $8,500 as a forgivable loan for wage enhancements and a low-interest revolving loan of $20,000 to assist with facility improvements.
- Erika Bierstedt, a Registered Child Development Home (B) in Algona, was awarded $5,750 as a forgivable loan to pursue a Level 3 quality rating through the Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K®) program.
- We Care Childcare, Inc., a non-profit organization working on the creation of a new daycare center in Titonka, was awarded a $20,000 grant for the continued development of a daycare center.
The Kossuth Childcare Coalition and the Kossuth Childcare Solutions Fund is a collaborative effort developed by the Kossuth Area Economic Development Corporation (KAEDC), Algona Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), and the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce. The coalition formed after childcare was identified as an economic development priority impacting the local workforce, business growth and overall community development.
Finding childcare is a challenge for many working parents, as the amount of daycare slots falls short of the number of children needing care. According to the Iowa Childcare Connect supply and demand dashboard (https://iachildcareconnect.org/supply-demand/) in Kossuth County there are more than two children (584 children) for every one daycare spot (262 spots) for children ages 0 to 5 years old.
Applications for funds were accepted for wage enhancement programs, quality improvements or facility improvements that would impact daycare expansion or sustainability. Donations for the fund were raised with the help of local businesses, organizations, and individuals and included a $50,000 matching gift from the Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation.
To learn more, contact Tod Faris, KAEDC Executive Director at 515-295-7979 or visit www.cfneia.org/donations/kossuth-childcare-fund/.