Using start-up funds provided by private sector contributions to the innovative Indiana Child Care Financing Initiative, public and private sectors of the community established three new childcare programs in Newton County public schools. Prior to this initiative, there were two licensed childcare homes and no licensed childcare centers in Newton County. There also were programs for children with disabilities. There are other models that can and will enhance childcare in Indiana. Partnerships between employers and employees are growing in frequency across the state.
Stable childcare serves the best interests of everyone.
For employers and parents alike, safe, affordable, nurturing childcare better ensures higher employee attendance, morale, productivity and job retention. By raising our childcare standards and expectations to these levels, we begin to raise our children's success in school, self-esteem and social competence. Safety for our children in childcare is an absolute necessity. It will take vision, determination, social responsibility and action to meet our childcare needs. It is time to apply the lessons we have learned.