Innovation Center
NORTON – The Innovation Center is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming qualified child care substitutes to support local child care providers and centers. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the childcare industry: the lack of available and trusted substitute providers.
Child care providers face long hours, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little flexibility for personal appointments or family events. For home-based providers, even a brief absence can mean lost income and disrupt the families they serve. Child care centers risk classroom closures when staff members are absent.
Like public schools, child care providers can utilize substitutes, but the process to become a child care substitute is often lengthy and costly.
Through the Innovation Center’s Child care Shared Services Hub, these barriers are being removed. The Innovation Center will cover the expenses associated with becoming a child care substitute, including:
• TB skin test
• Health assessment
• KCCTO Training: Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities Module (10 modules, 18 hours)
• Pediatric First Aid
• Pediatric CPR
• Fingerprinting
• State licensing and background check
Additionally, individuals will receive a $240 stipend upon completing the process.
“The lack of qualified substitutes is a serious issue for childcare providers,” said Dana Jo Stanton, child care program specialist at the Innovation Center. “This initiative allows both childcare centers and home providers to select substitutes they trust while eliminating the financial burden that comes with becoming a child care substitute.”
Stanton is committed to building substitute pools in every county within the Innovation Center's service area.
“In addition to working with child care centers and home providers, we’re eager to connect with individuals who want to become substitutes. Expanding these substitute pools will provide essential support for childcare providers across northwest Kansas,” she added.
For more information about becoming a child care substitute or other childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at [email protected] or call 785-874-5150.
About the Innovation Center
The Innovation Center is dedicated to fostering community development and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Northwest Kansas. Through initiatives like the Childcare Shared Services Hub, the Innovation Center is committed to creating sustainable solutions for community needs.