Community discussion to address child care shortage in Allamakee County Friday

A community-based discussion addressing a shortage of child care in Allamakee County is scheduled to be held this Friday, March 15 from 8 a.m.-12 noon in Room 113 of the NICC Waukon Center, located at 1220 Third Avenue NW in Waukon. A continental breakfast will be served.

Discussion facilitators will share information, gather ideas and input from those in attendance to address how the shortage of child care impacts this area’s economic growth and success. The meeting is being hosted by Early Childhood Partners and will be facilitated by the Iowa Women’s Foundation.

According to statistics provided by those groups, 82% of households in Allamakee County have both parents working outside the home, and there has also been a 50% decrease in child care programs in the last five years in Allamakee County.

Encouraged to attend are employers, those in human resources and economic development, investors, early childhood educators, those in finance, child care, ministry, public health, social service clubs and other organizations. Those attending are asked to RSVP by March 13 to Meagan Hammell at hawccl@neitel.net at 563-382-4447.