HOLLAND, MI (WHTC AM/FM) – The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District has received a $32,000 grant to expand the early childhood county centralized enrollment system to increase access for children and families to preschool and childcare openings.
The state’s Early Childhood Investment Corporation recently chose the Ottawa Area ISD as a Child Care Innovation Fund awardee, with the grant announced Monday.
Ottawa Area ISD officials say currently childcare data only shows how many students a daycare center can serve instead of showing how many students are in attendance and how many ‘spots’ are still available. The new enhancement will build upon an already existing centralized enrollment and eligibility system making it easier for families to find preschool and childcare openings.
Tami Mannes Ph.D., Director of Early Childhood Services for Ottawa Area ISD, said the grant will allow OAISD to develop a system to gather ‘live’ childcare data to help families find child care in real-time.
“These funds allow OAISD to partner with the Western Regional Resource Center to support families to find childcare by working with providers to determine childcare availability,” Mannes said. “The generous grant funds from ECIC will support tech time, project oversight and more to help launch this beneficial service.”
“We look forward to supporting these regional and community partners as they implement innovative child care solutions for working families, communities, early educators, and employers,” Joan Blough, Senior Director of the Child Care Innovation Fund, said. “Increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to Michigan’s economic recovery and future growth.”
“We are excited to explore how these funds will support families finding care as they return to the workforce,” Mannes said.
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