Stay tuned for updates on these and other locally built solutions to local challenges!
In response to growing concerns about the state of childcare in Coös and the need for creative solutions, the Coös Coalition for Young Children and Families hosted a regional meeting in February, 2024. In attendance were nearly 70 employers, parents, childcare center staff, public school representatives, funders and elected officials. The Community Stewards joined in as well and brought the stories of local parents impacted by the lack of available, high-quality childcare but who were unable to attend the meeting in person.
Participants broke up by Coös sub-regions to assess data on existing childcare, survey results from parents on what kind of care they would like to access, as well as the results of innovative childcare expansion pilots already underway in the region.
From there, each regional group brainstormed ways to expand the types of childcare most needed and wanted by families in their communities. These plans are already being refined and put into motion by partners on the ground.