Parke County coalition discusses child care needs

PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A local coalition is working to increase access to child care in Parke County.

The Early Care and Education Coalition discussed Tuesday what they’ve accomplished so far, continuing needs and future plans.

Member Marci Graves said early child care is important because it introduces children to a social environment before kindergarten.

She added it also helps parents who work and need a quality child care option, but said there is a need for more programs in Parke County.

“We are a child care desert, so we are just working to create more programs here locally that help serve our families. Most families, with the way that prices have gone up, struggle to make ends meet with having one parent stay home. So, hopefully by having more programs, we can take the burden off of those families,” Graves said.

She pointed out that child care access not only helps working parents, but the businesses that employ them.

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