Business leaders asked to weigh in on local child care needs

With a $500,000 grant opportunity on the line, listening sessions and planning meetings continue in Flandreau to assess the opportunities and needs for local child care, especially for those 0-6 years of age.
The Governors Office of Economic Development only weeks ago awarded 28 communities funding to create a strategy for expanded child care services, knowing how often a lack of providers, or qualified providers can limit a familys ability to work or even live in specific communities.
Local business owners are invited to a third community-wide meeting today, December 20 at Noon at JJs Coffee in downtown Flandreau.
Flandreau was among the communities chosen for the initial $50,000 planning grant. If awarded, the additional grant opportunity would mean incredible opportunities for local and area families.
The deadline for the proposal, however, is just two months away February 29th, 2024.
It is a tight turnaround.
Local Club and community leaders know they need to create something special.
But theyre convinced the right partners are here locally to make something very amazing and much needed, happen.
We have to have the plan created by Feb 29th, said Jody Hernandez, Chief Executive
Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains. She spoke with the Moody County Enterprise this past Wednesday night after the most recent community meeting with City and Tribal leaders, local educators and families.
Discussed at that particular meeting were concerns over a lack of licensed local daycare providers, a lack of availability for child care in general, barriers due to language, the affordability of child care for young families, and access to check-in throughout the day.
But there was also an optimism about what could be available to young families if there were more collaboration across local diverse communities and the county.
We have an opportunity I dont think well ever get again with funding behind itEveryone is coming together and working really hard to achieve this deadline and I think well come up with a great plan. Whats already percolating to the top is top notch. I think well come up with something that will be great best practices that can be used across the state.
This past weeks meeting was the second of three scheduled on the matter. Local child care providers sat down and shared insights from their perspective a week prior.
Local business owners are invited to a third community-wide meeting this Wednesday at Noon at JJs Coffee in downtown Flandreau.
Awards, once all plans are submitted early next year, will be based on the collaboration shown amongst community partners and innovative solutions.