HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Child Care Task Force has received statewide recognition for its efforts to expand access to child care and support providers, families and employers.
Child Care Aware of Kansas has named the task force a Child Care Community Champion through its Child Care Friendly Communities initiative. The program recognizes local efforts to make child care more accessible, sustainable and supportive across Kansas.
The designation honors individuals, organizations and coalitions that have made progress in one or more of four areas: building active community partnerships, removing policy barriers, increasing available child care slots and supporting the child care workforce.
The Reno County Child Care Task Force has worked with child care providers, employers, families and local leaders to address child care needs in the county. Its efforts have included increasing capacity, providing training opportunities for early care providers and helping local child care businesses remain sustainable.
The Reno County Kids Collective was formed to continue that work, with an emphasis on strengthening the child care workforce and improving the county’s overall child care infrastructure.
Kami Cohorst, interim executive director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, said the task force is an example of how community collaboration can create long-term change.
“The Task Force is a brilliant example of how collaboration and commitment can achieve better outcomes for children and families when they treat child care as essential infrastructure,” Cohorst said. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and encourage other individuals and communities to look to them for inspiration.”
The Reno County Child Care Task Force is a community coalition focused on supporting providers, expanding access for families and developing long-term solutions for the county’s children, workforce and economy.