Area communities to develop child care action plans

Feb. 26-- Feb. 26--MANKATO -- The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation will help three area communities develop action plans to address child care needs.

The foundation selected the cities of Eagle Lake and Wells and Watonwan County's early childhood initiative program among five recipients for the six- to 18-month process.

The selection process weighed shortage numbers into the decision, with each of the area communities needing at least 100 more child care slots.

"There is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution to the child care shortage," said SMIF Early Education Childhood Director Teri Steckelberg in a release. "We look forward to sitting down with each core team to develop a plan that is best suited for their unique needs."

Watonwan County had the largest slot shortage of the three with 337, followed by Eagle Lake with 107 and Wells with 102. Each will be eligible for up to $10,000 in grants afterward to support the action plans.

Day care shortages are well documented in southern Minnesota. SMIF's research found 8,919 potential child care slots needed in its 20-county region.

Blue Earth County alone was in need of 906 child care slots, according to the research. Mankato could add 170- and 160-slot child care centers by the end of the year.

Follow Brian Arola @BrianArolaMFP.

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