By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Grove, Hays housing project, has applied for $2 million in state funds to help build a community center that will include a child care and senior center.
The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County took applications in April for the Kansas Children's Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant.
The grant application was discussed at a task force meeting on May 30.
The Grove will be a housing project at the corner of 27th and Canterbury in Hays.
James Robben, Grow Hays director of business development and special projects, said the child care center could serve up to 77 children from infant to preschool. The slots would be open to the public. The project does not have a completion date.
The grant requires a 25 percent match, which would be paid by the grant requester.
The state is still in the review process. Robben said about $90 million in grant requests were submitted for $30 million. A list of grantees is expected to be released by the end of June.
The task force also has applied for $45,000 through Kansas ChildCare Aware. These funds would be used to expand the capacity of Hays Area Children's Center and Learning Cross Child Care.
Training
The child care task force will sponsor a series of professional development opportunities for child care providers.
All trainings will be at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth, Hays. Dates will be
6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26
6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25
6 to 8 p.m. April 25
Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said she hopes the trainings can help providers meet the hours they need to maintain their certifications.
Session topics have yet to be released.
Ellis County providers will be given first preference for the trainings, but regional providers may attend.
A meal will be provided during the trainings. Registration will be required. Cost will be $5.
Tory Ruder, in-home child care provider and task force member, suggested matching long-time providers with new providers in a mentoring program as another means of training.