Klickitat County Child Care needs explored at forum in Lyle on May 7
Information on family-friendly workplace practices to be shared with Klickitat County businesses and employers
From the Klickitat County Childcare Committee:
Bingen, Wash., April 25th, 2025—Klickitat County Childcare Committee is sponsoring a Business Forum on Workforce Childcare Needs for Klickitat County employers and businesses. The forum takes place May 7th at the Lyle Activity Center, located on the corner of Highway 14 & Third Street in Lyle, Washington. It begins at 8:30 a.m. Coffee and breakfast will be provided. A Zoom option is available for those registering-contact jnr62flume@gmail.com to sign up.
"Many Klickitat County businesses are affected by the lack of childcare for their employees. They struggle with high employee turnover, difficulty in recruiting new employees, customers upset over long check-out lines, projects delayed, constantly late or absent employees", said Johanna Roe, KCCC Program Coordinator. "Workers lose wages and opportunities to advance in their job. The issue impacts our local economy in a very big way."
Join other Klickitat County business professionals at this special forum on Workforce Childcare Needs. Guest speakers and committee members will share what they have learned about the affect the childcare crisis is having in our community.
Information will be provided on KCCC's work supporting the licensing of new childcare providers in the area. Experts from Child Care Aware, ESD 112, the Association of WA Businesses, Washington's Department of Commerce, and Economic Development will report on programs and policies that address the lack of childcare options. They will share information, potential solutions, and resources on Family Friendly Workplaces, early education programs, and more. Supporting these efforts can boost employee retention and help improve a company’s bottom line.
Klickitat County Childcare Committee is fiscally sponsored by Washington Gorge Action Programs. KCCC works to support the licensing of new childcare providers by offering information, support, and resources to help these critically important small rural businesses open their doors. Five new providers have been licensed recently through KCCC's efforts. Washington's Department of Commerce has awarded WAGAP/KCCC a Child Care Partnership Grant in support of their work.
