News release
The Childcare Task Force of Ellis County has announced the release of its county community survey to assess the true childcare needs of Ellis County. This digital survey will close Dec. 31. Individuals and organizations wishing to participate in this survey may access it HERE or the QR code below.
The task force’s goal is to acquire 1,000 surveys. Once the survey results are finalized, the data will be utilized to apply for grant funding the task force will use to assist current childcare providers with their needs and incentivize new providers to begin offering childcare. Data from this survey will be shared with the public once available in January or February of 2022.
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas began organizing the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County in September 2021, after the Childcare Aware of Ellis County Point-in-Time survey identified that Ellis County has lost at least sixteen childcare providers since 2019.
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Comprised of individuals, businesses, and organizations, this task force has members representing early childhood education, USD 489, USD 388, childcare centers, in-home childcare providers, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Childcare Aware of Kansas, KSU Research and Extension and Cottonwood Extension District, HaysMed, Fort Hays State University, Grow Hays, 111th Kansas Legislative District, Heartland Community Foundation, parents, and area employers.
The next meeting for the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County will take place on December 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine Street. For more information about this task force or to get involved in the process of addressing our county’s childcare needs, please contact Sarah Wasinger at [email protected] or call 785-628-8201.