HUTCHINSON, KS – July 17, 2023 – In an effort to retain current childcare providers, the Reno County Child Care Task Force released $135,540 in retention grants to 36 local home childcare providers and childcare centers. The grants will serve 616 children in Reno County. These grants help offset expenses incurred in the first quarter (January-March) of 2023. The grants will be available on a quarterly basis through 2026.
“I don’t have enough thank you words to express how much these grants have helped me,” said Denise Willis, a home child care provider of 18 years. “With the cost of living and groceries rising, I wouldn’t be able to continue this work without putting myself under.”
Willis said that she was initially intimidated by the online application process to receive the funding, but received technical assistance from the United Way of Reno County and realized it wasn’t as difficult as she thought. She plans to apply for the retention grants again next quarter.
Applications are currently open for expenses incurred by childcare providers in the second quarter of 2023 (April-June). The application deadline is September 1, 2023.
Eligibility requirements:
Be a permanent and current licensed provider through KDHE (have been licensed at least 6 months)
Provide care full time care for children 0-12
Be located in Reno County, Kansas
To learn more about how to apply for these grants and read a complete list of eligibility requirements, visit www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/arpa-rentention-grant-application.
To learn more about how to open a licensed child care facility, contact the Reno County Health Department, www.renogov.org/642/Childcare-Licensing.
ABOUT THE FUNDING
After child care was identified as a top priority by Reno County citizens through a series of community meetings in late 2021, the Hutchinson City Council and the Reno County Commission committed local American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) funds to address this community need. These funds are administered by the Reno County Child Care Task Force, which contracts with the United Way of Reno County for fiscal sponsorship.
ABOUT THE TASK FORCE
The Reno County Child Care Task Force is working to build a childcare system that functions for everyone - kids, parents, providers, and businesses. They are using their time, energy, and resources to break down barriers and inspire action. They educate partners, research better models, find funding, and streamline services that will change the childcare system in Reno County for the better.
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