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Access to quality child care is a critical concern for families across Shawnee County. Recognizing the significant impact this issue has on both parents and employers, the Greater Topeka Partnership and Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas have joined forces to launch the Family Forward initiative.
Family Forward, a grant-funded initiative, aims to expand child care options in Shawnee County by bringing together businesses, families, and child care providers to address the shortage of available quality child care. This collaborative effort is crucial in overcoming one of the major barriers faced by parents who wish to re-enter the workforce.
The lack of quality child care not only affects families but also has broader implications for the local economy. Employers are feeling the strain as they struggle to hire and retain employees due to child care challenges. The consequences are clear: lost income for families, decreased productivity for employers, and a smaller tax base for our county.
The Family Forward initiative recognizes that we all have a role to play in addressing these challenges. By fostering partnerships between businesses, families, and child care providers, we can create a more supportive environment where parents can access the child care they need to pursue their career goals while employers can thrive with a reliable workforce.
Through Family Forward, businesses are encouraged to explore innovative solutions such as on-site child care, flexible work arrangements, and support for employees accessing child care subsidies. By investing in their employees' well-being and addressing child care challenges head-on, businesses can not only attract and retain top talent but also contribute to the overall economic growth of Shawnee County.
Families are also empowered through the Family Forward initiative. By providing resources, information, and support, families can make informed decisions about child care options that meet their needs. Additionally, Family Forward works to connect families with available child care providers and subsidies, ensuring that every child has access to quality care that supports their development and learning.
Child care providers play a crucial role in the success of Family Forward. Through partnerships and support from the initiative, providers can enhance the quality of their services, expand their capacity, and address barriers to accessibility. By working together, we can create a more robust child care infrastructure that meets the needs of our community.
The Family Forward initiative represents a collaborative effort to address one of the most pressing challenges facing families and businesses in Shawnee County. By coming together and leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create a brighter future for our children, families, and community as a whole.
Join us in supporting Family Forward and making Shawnee County a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Connect with Family Forward Online:
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