Childcare. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new loan fund aims to bring more child care providers to Manitowoc County.
It comes as Wisconsin faces a child care shortage. The launch of a new Child Care Revolving Loan Fund is trying to close the gap.
“It’s something that we haven’t done before, so I’m really hoping that the community responds and that we’re able to support some of these that have an idea and have a desire to be a child care provider,” Progress Lakeshore Executive Director Jamie Zastrow said.
Progress Lakeshore is an economic development organization in Manitowoc. About $50,000 is set aside for the revolving loan fund from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, along with some private donations.
Money will help pay for start-up equipment for entrepreneurs looking to become licensed child care providers.
“We have found as we work with people interested in starting a child care business, sometimes those initial costs of high chairs and cribs and toys and some of those things are a barrier to them starting,” Zastrow said.
Zastrow said around 2,400 child care slots are needed in Manitowoc County. For those who apply, each provider — in-home or centers — can get between $2,500 and $6,000.
Trying to find enough space and paying for it is another common issue for child care providers.
“That’s one of the barriers of getting started is not having enough money to get the supplies you need to start out, so I’m hoping that this is gonna really help people,” Progress Lakeshore Community Child Care Development Specialist Lynn Palama said.
By having more child care providers in the community, Progress Lakeshore hopes it will lead to a big economic impact.
“This helps parents be able to go to work. Their kids are at a safe place. It’s just good for the community,” Zastrow said.
The Child Care Revolving Loan Fund kicks off right away.
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