In an effort to attract new providers and make launching an in-home child care business easier, Lincoln County has joined a three-county initiative to address the area’s child care shortage.
The joint effort brings more assistance than ever before to people wishing to open a licensed in-home care business, county officials said in announcing the partnership.
Family Connections, the child care resource and referral agency of Lincoln, Linn, and Benton counties, is spearheading Growing Care. It is a new initiative to increase the capacity of child care by expanding opportunities and enhancing support for those undertaking the licensing process.
“With Growing Care, getting licensed is easier than ever before,” said Lynnette Wynkoop, director of Family Connections. “We’re going to walk everyone through the process to make it as pain-free as possible.”
That support will begin via a newly-launched website at GrowingCare.org. There, people considering a child care career can find help on licensing requirements and support. There will also be opportunities for one-on-one assistance and coaching, Wynkoop said.
Increased support also includes access to start-up grants up to $15,000 to assist with everything from home modifications and equipment, to the purchase of insurance.
Lincoln County commissioners also designated funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help support grants within the county. After initially designating $100,000 for grants, the commissioners recently added another $200,000 to the program.
Although the licensing process takes time and opening a home-based business has its challenges, applicants have plenty of reasons to be hopeful, Wynkoop said. Deemed a “severe” child care desert by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, the demand for providers in Lincoln County means a thoughtfully-planned business can attract clients.
“There is a serious need that exists within the county that not only impacts quality of life for families, but economic development because the lack of child care keeps people out of the workforce,” said county commissioner Kaety Jacobson. “It is the county’s intent to partner with other organizations who can help launch new in-home providers, including Growing Care, Family Connections, and Oregon Coast Community College.”
The college has launched a child care business accelerator course to help prospective providers navigate the licensing process and gain the skills for running a successful business. The program is offered at no cost to participants.
“This three-month program focuses on providing individuals with the skills and knowledge to become licensed home-based child care businesses,” said Dave Price, the college’s vice president of engagement. “The accelerator course provides a framework to establish and maintain a high-quality child care business while building relationships with your peers and supporting agencies.”
With new support systems in place and grants available, the county is launching a public awareness campaign to spark interest in in-home childcare. A home-based business is perfect for parents who are already staying home with their children; those who are retired and are interested in extra income; individuals who have dreamed of a career working with children; and anyone who loves kids and has a suitable residence for an in-home care service.
Individuals who are unlicensed and caring for a small number of children but wish to expand their business by becoming licensed are also great prospects for Growing Care assistance and the OCCC business accelerator course.
Grants and support are also available to Lincoln County’s community of existing child care providers who may be considering growing their capacity and taking on more children.
For more information about the licensing process or the business accelerator course, go to the Growing Care website. More information about grant funding is also available on the Lincoln County website.