About the Childcare Coalition
In late 2021, we conducted research to help guide our Community Investment Committee as they identified funding needs for our 2022-2025 funding cycle. Among employers, employees, and the many people served by our network, childcare was identified as one of the primary barriers to obtaining and holding a job. As a powerful collaborative network strategically leveraging community connections, United Way of Southeast Missouri is ideally positioned to address this issue through our newly formed Childcare Coalition.
The first meeting of this newly established coalition is scheduled on Friday, Dec. 8, from 12:30-1:30. Please register below for this virtual meeting. Even if you cannot attend this one, you will be added to the coalition distribution list for future meetings and updates.
We Make Connections
We firmly believe childcare is a fundamental need for working parents, allowing them to maintain steady employment while providing a safe environment for their children. According to recent data presented by Child Care Aware of Missouri, Cape Girardeau County has 5,281 families with children under six. Of these, 4,781 have working parents. There are only 25 licensed childcare facilities in the county.
While the Childcare Coalition will establish near and long-term goals, some items the coalition will address include:
- Identifying local obstacles to establishing and successfully running childcare facilities in our community
- Connecting existing and start-up childcare providers with businesses needing or wishing to support childcare to partner with each other on grants
- Exploring creative childcare options in other communities.
