CGCC Seeks Public Input on Proposed Affordable Child Care Center By Sept 17th
Photo Credit: Robbie Denning
by Cole Goodwin
Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is undertaking a feasibility study for a new public child care center, which would serve not only CGCC students but the entire community. The study’s purpose is to gather information on the regional need for affordable child care and develop a business model to determine how a child care center can be operated on a sustainable basis.
Ten community partners joined with the college in supporting the local cost of this study, including Four Rivers Early Learning Hub, City of The Dalles, Wasco County, Northern Wasco People’s Utility District, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, North Wasco County School District, Columbia Gorge Education Service District, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and Port of The Dalles.
Photo Credit: Robbie Denning
Funding for the feasibility study was awarded to CGCC through a grant from the Ford Family Foundation last spring, with the study taking place through the summer and fall months.
The first step of the study is the distribution of a community needs assessment survey to garner critical input from the community. Survey participants are asked to anonymously report the number of children in their families, how their child care needs are currently met, and their ability to contribute toward the cost of child care. So far only 100 people have completed the anonymous survey and the September 17th deadline is fast approaching.
“We know our region needs a child care center,” said Nancey Patten, director of Child Care Partners – Child Care Resource & Referral. “Data from this survey will be vital in order for us to determine the feasibility of operating a facility, including the level of support we will likely need to keep our rates affordable for low and moderate-income families.”
The newly proposed public child care center would have two goals: First, to provide affordable child care for families who are unable to place children in centers operated by Head Start (typically because family incomes do not meet federal eligibility requirements). And second, to provide real-world instructional experience for students enrolled in the college’s Early Childhood Education program, a college-based program that offers training and technical assistance to early learning professionals and referral services for CGCC students. The program was envisioned to meet and fill the acute shortage of skilled early childhood educators.
Photo Credit: Robbie Denning
Do you or someone you know need affordable childcare?
Take this public child care center needs assessment survey in English or Spanish.
The survey closes Friday, September 17th, 2021. Paper versions of the survey have also been distributed to libraries, schools, and other locations.
About CGCC
Columbia Gorge is your community college. Our goal is to help you be successful in whatever educational program or activity you choose. At Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), you can complete your first two years of college and then transfer to a four-year university. Or you can take a career/technical program to qualify for a job. CGCC also provides you with opportunities to pursue special interests or to broaden your education. You can go to school full-time to finish a program in one or two years, or attend part-time and just take a class or two.
Columbia Gorge Community College. Photo Credit: Robbie Denning
