By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County discussed the need to increase wages for child care workers at its meeting on Tuesday.
To that end, members of the task force discussed the possibility of applying for Community Service Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce.
One of the stumbling blocks to that effort is the task force is not a 501(c)3. The task force is under the umbrella of the Chamber in Hays with Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger serving as a facilitator.
However, the Chamber is not a 501(c)3 and cannot apply for the credits on behalf of the task force.
Wasinger said the task force becoming a nonprofit could be discussed further.
Brett Schmidt, task force member and owner of Learning Cross Child Care, said the application process for the tax credits is complicated and lengthy. He said he thought it would be too difficult to complete for any one child care provider.
"I think by the time the state comes up with the funds to adequately fund it, it will probably be below the bar already," Schmidt said of child care worker wages.
State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state. They are a way for a taxpayer to substantially reduce the cost of making a contribution to a charitable organization.
The tax credit is for contributions made by business firms or individuals subject to Kansas income tax, Kansas privilege tax or the premium tax or privilege fees imposed on insurance companies. The minimum amount that can be donated is $250. There is no maximum amount.
Catholic Charities in Hays and DSNWK are already participants in the program.
Child care program for HHS student
Donna Hudson-Hamiliton, director of Early Childhood Connections, said Hays High School is still trying to create a program where students could earn their child care provider accreditation while in high school.
She said school officials hope that will be available in 2025.
Child care needs decline
As of the end of 2023, Child Care Aware reported Ellis County still needed 427 child care spots to meet the county's needs. That is down significantly from more than 700 when the task force was founded in 2021.
The greatest need remains infant care.
Spots still open for tonight's development series
The task force is sponsoring a Child Care Provider Professional Development session from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth.
Sabina Hoffman, developmental inclusion specialist, will explore how child care providers can advocate on behalf of the children they serve by advocating for children’s different needs, addressing developmental milestones, understanding the screening process and utilizing local resources to support the needs of children and families.
Providers will earn two credits toward their accreditation requirements.
The event is open to any area providers. Spots are still available. Dinner is included.
For more information, call the Chamber at 785-628-8201.