NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2018
CONTACT: Susan Sauls, Social Service Supervisor
218-726-2064
Meeting planned to discuss daycare shortage, solutions
Just about any working parent in this region can tell you - there is a severe shortage of licensed day care providers in St. Louis County. The situation is about to become worse with the recently announced closing of a large daycare center in Duluth. Parents of infants and toddlers face the biggest challenge to find affordable daycare.
To discuss the situation and possible solutions, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services' staff - along with representatives from both the state and federal level - will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Government Services Center, 320 West 2nd Street in Duluth. Free parking is available after 5:30 p.m. at meters and across the street in county lots.
The goal of the meeting is to bring together parents and daycare providers to talk about current challenges in the Duluth area, as well as to ensure appropriate professionals are available to answer questions.
The meeting will include an opportunity for the public to give input, as well as for representatives of St. Louis County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to talk about daycare licensing requirements and the process to get licensed. Staff from U.S. Senator Tina Smith's office also will participate, as will representatives of the Northland Foundation and Child Care Aware of Minnesota - Northeast. Northland Foundation currently is offering a program that includes training and incentives to help people get started as a licensed home daycare provider. Child Care Aware provides information and other resources for parents looking for quality daycare anywhere in Minnesota.
Anyone who wants to learn more but is unable to attend the meeting can call Peter Moeri at St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services at 218-726-2064.
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