Since 1987 League of Women Voters Minnesota has supported “coordinated public policies and funding to ensure safe, affordable, quality child care throughout the state.” But the issue is still very relevant today with numerous organizations being concerned about the lack of quality childcare that impacts all of us.
Last September the Nevis Women’s Club held a conference on Empowering Women in Rural Areas. A follow up survey of the attendees found that childcare was one of the top three topics identified as needing change. This year League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWV PRA) will present two educational programs on Childcare Issues in Hubbard County.
The first panel will discuss the current state of childcare in Hubbard County. Finding childcare to match working hours, paying for childcare and finding childcare openings can all prove very challenging for families in Hubbard County. According to Leeza Branstrom, the Family Childcare Licensor with Hubbard County Social Services, the number of active childcare licenses in Hubbard has been steadily declining. In 2018 there were 58 active licenses but in 2023 there are only 41 active licenses. The most troubling area, Branstrom states, is finding infant care.
The LWV PRA program, Childcare Issues in Hubbard County, will be held Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Northwoods Bank Community Room (1200 1st Street E, Park Rapids). The program is free to the public and handicapped-accessible.
A panel of local experts for the program will include:
Hailey Sharp - a new provider in the process of getting licensed
Zoe Mattson - new mother who struggled with finding childcare
Jennifer Tolle - Foster Care Licensor, “I am the secondary child care licensor, I assist in facility investigations regarding child care; I have minor children who attend in home daycare.“
Leeza Branstrom - employed by Hubbard County Social Services for six years.
Kari Smith - experienced licensed provider, who started her career in the early childhood field in 1989. “As a military family we moved a lot but eventually landed back in Park Rapids.” She started her child care business in 2001.
Each panel member will speak about their experiences with childcare issues. There will be time for questions from the public after the presentations. A follow-up program on childcare resources will be held April 26. It will also be held at Northwoods Bank. Please direct any questions about LWV PRA activities, events or on how to join by emailing: lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org .