03 Apr McPherson Declares April 5-11 as Week of the Young Child
On Monday, March 31, the City of McPherson declared April 5-11 as Week of the Young Child. This proclamation highlights the need for increased access to affordable, high-quality early childcare in McPherson.
The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 51 affiliates. The event focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families while recognizing early childhood programs and services that support them. It also honors early childhood education providers.
In the proclamation signed by McPherson Mayor Thomas Brown, he stated, “We must recognize the vital work performed by early care and education professionals, express our gratitude for their important services, and support efforts to ensure they are fairly compensated.”
*Read the full proclamation here*
Early childcare and education have been identified as critical needs not only for McPherson but for the county as a whole. The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) has taken steps to support local childcare providers.
The Childcare Task Force, established by MCCF in 2023, is a coalition of community organizations and childcare providers working together to assess the state of childcare in McPherson County, identify needs, and develop solutions.
In 2023, the group secured a grant of more than $600,000 from the Child Care Capacity Accelerator. This funding was distributed among three partnering licensed childcare providers to expand operations and increase available childcare seats.
In 2024, Cradle to Crayons, a childcare provider in Moundridge, applied for and received tax credits for its new building project. This initiative will provide Cradle to Crayons with a new facility, increasing its capacity to offer quality childcare.
MCCF has also provided grant funding to numerous licensed childcare facilities across the county. Most recently, Christ Kids in Galva received a $20,000 grant for facility renovations, including plumbing upgrades required to meet Kansas licensing requirements for toddler care.
Additionally, MCCF is committed to providing ongoing resources for childcare providers. In collaboration with the Childcare Task Force, the Foundation established the Childcare Dream Fund. This fund aims to create a permanent resource that McPherson County childcare providers can rely on and that can aid them in their missions of offering quality, affordable childcare.
Want to contribute to the future of McPherson County childcare? Contact MCCF Director of Community Development Betsy Davis at Betsy@McPhersonFoundation.org or call 620-245-9070.