Investing in the Future: Grow Spink Tackles Child Care Challenges

Like many communities nationwide, Spink County faces a growing childcare crisis. To address this critical issue, Grow Spink secured a State Child Care Planning Grant in the fall of 2023. This two-phased grant, administered by the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development, provided crucial resources to assess the county's childcare needs and develop a strategic plan for the future.

Unveiling the Landscape: A Needs Assessment

The project's first phase focused on understanding the specific childcare challenges in Spink County. A steering committee comprised of representatives from Grow Spink, the Redfield Area Development Corporation, the City of Redfield, and BASIC (Brookings Area Safe Environment Coalition) out of Doland facilitated planning meetings with local childcare providers. Grow Spink also commissioned a child care feasibility study conducted by Child Care Biz Help.

The study revealed some encouraging facts. With 30% of the population in or near child-bearing age, Spink County boasts promising potential for future growth. Additionally, within a 10-minute radius of the county's central point, the number of available childcare spots (129) seems adequate for the current child population (130).
However, the picture changes significantly when considering areas further out. The study identified service gaps affecting 385 and 552 children residing within a 15- and 20-minute drive time, respectively. These gaps highlight the need for expanded childcare services in outlying areas.

Nurturing Solutions: A Multifaceted Approach

Grow Spink has been selected for the much-anticipated second phase of the state grant, which will go toward implementation costs for the childcare project.

The project has a three-pronged approach:

1. Building a New Child Care Facility:  A central daycare facility in the Redfield community will provide additional childcare options.
2. Supporting Existing Providers: Spink County has 13 daycares, primarily in-home. All are at total capacity, often with waitlists. The project aims to assist these existing providers by offering resources to tackle staff shortages and equipment upgrades.
3. Enhancing After-School Care:  The Redfield After School Program, currently operating temporarily, will be integrated into the project to establish a permanent space for their valuable services.

Investing in Our Future: Community Collaboration

Initial discussions with larger employers in the county have been positive, indicating potential support for the project. Additionally, Grow Spink plans a fundraising event this summer to generate further financial resources.

This childcare project is more than bricks and mortar; it invests in Spink County's future. Grow Spink acts as an advocate for childcare providers at the local and state levels, working to secure funding and ensure regulations are supportive of quality care. By fostering collaboration between new and existing providers, addressing staffing challenges, and expanding services, Grow Spink lays the groundwork for a vibrant childcare ecosystem that supports working families and fosters a thriving community for all ages. Contact us here for more information!