WATERTOWN, S.D.(Press Release)-  A town hall meeting held Wednesday, brought together local leaders and community members to address the pressing issue of childcare shortages, specifically in Codington County. The childcare crisis, however, is being felt statewide and even nationwide. The meeting, moderated by Watertown Mayor Ried Holien and City Manager Amanda Mack, discussed potential solutions and strategies to address the growing crisis.

The primary catalyst for the meeting was the recent announcement of the closure of Little Blessings Daycare, one of the largest childcare facilities in the county. This closure and an existing shortage of childcare spots have highlighted the urgent need for action.

Pastor Justin Manzey with Family Worship Center explained in more detail how Little Blessings operated and why the church is transitioning from offering that childcare model to Watertown.

Key Points from the Discussion:

• Community-Wide Solution: Participants agreed that the childcare crisis requires a comprehensive, community-wide approach involving various stakeholders, including the city, county, schools, and businesses. Councilman Kyle Peters mentioned the idea of offering a potential revolving loan opportunity.
  • Liz Brownell, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, talked about its non-profit model and care for kids from 1st to 12th grade while keeping it affordable at $25 a year and offering snacks, meals, and various activities.
  • Watertown School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen and Lake Area Technical College President spoke about the recent increase in capacity of Educare to 135, the Early Learning Center at McKinley school facility, Title 1 preschool, and tuition-based options.
• Financial Challenges: A significant obstacle is the substantial capital investment needed to renovate or build new facilities. Estimates suggest that approximately $4.5 to $5 million is required to address the immediate needs.
• Public-Private Partnerships: The meeting explored the possibility of public-private partnerships to bridge the funding gap. These partnerships could involve contributions from cities, counties, businesses, and community foundations.
• Monastery-Led Initiative: Sister Barb Younger from the Mother of God Monastery outlined a plan to renovate one of the monastery’s underutilized 14,000 square facilities to accommodate a daycare for 225 children. Sister Barb says this is a “gift to Watertown.” The cost of purchasing land and building a new facility outweighs what the Sisters can freely offer to the community. This renovation project requires approximately $3.5 million in funding. A $500,000 investment would secure an SDWorks loan through the SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development, allowing the childcare facility to be renovated and initial operation.

• Roosevelt School Potential: Participants discussed possibly converting a level at Roosevelt Elementary School into a childcare facility. However, this option faces several challenges, including securing funding and finding a qualified provider. Jim Redlinger spoke in place of Doug Sharp, and they have been speaking with contractors together. He said that in a “perfect world,” with a rough estimate of $200,000, it could be ready to house well over 100-plus children in 90 days.
• In-Home Childcare Support: The meeting also explored the potential for expanding in-home childcare options and supporting providers. A conversation revolved around the idea of offering revolving loans for specific in-home childcare facilities and institutional-based facilities. There is no way to account for the number of in-home childcare facilities. Still, Codington County Community Services Director Sara Foust says they are working on a Watertown Daycare Providers Matter Network, where providers who agree to a few basic standards will be listed and supported by the network.
• Business Impact: The childcare crisis is not only a social issue but also an economic one. Due to the lack of affordable childcare, businesses in the area struggle to attract and retain employees.
  • John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, said that they are one of the largest employers in Watertown and understand the crisis at hand. He said that the hospital is a facility that is open all hours, day and night, and would also need to consider childcare services that cater to those hours.

Next Steps:

• Community Input: The meeting emphasized the importance of continued community involvement in developing solutions. A public forum to gather input from residents and businesses is scheduled for September 19th. It will focus on the economic impact. Mayor Holien also requested that the feedback tone be more positive, and some officials have received “pretty rude” emails and messages. He said that there isn’t anyone who doesn’t want to help solve the problem.

• Funding Strategies: Participants will explore various funding options, including grants, loans, and private donations.
• Task Force Formation: Mayor Holien recommended considering the creation of a task force to oversee the implementation of solutions. He said it should include as many people “at the table” who have something to gain or lose from the crisis.

The town hall meeting provided a valuable opportunity for community members to share their concerns and ideas. As the community grapples with the childcare crisis, a collaborative effort will be necessary to find sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, there was a relative consensus that there was an evident crisis, that funding assistance was necessary, and that all parties were open to helping; what that “looks like” is yet to be seen.

The individuals that were present at the “table” included:

• Codington County Commissioners: Troy VanDusen, Lee Gabel, and Myron Johnson
• City Councilmembers: Bruce Buhler, Mike Danforth, Randy Tupper, Dan Schutte, and Kyle Peters.
• City Officials: City Manager Amanda Mack and Mayor Ried Holien
• Codington County Community Services Director Sara Foust and Mother of God Monastery Sister Barb Younger
• Member of Plan Commission and Board of Adjustment, and Executive Director of First District Association of Local Governments Todd Kays
• Boys and Girls Club of Watertown Executive Director Liz Brownell
• Watertown School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Business Manager Heidi Clausen Lake Area Technical College President Tiffany Sanderson, and Vice President Cam Corey
• Watertown Area Community Foundation Board Chair and a Leader of the H2O-50 Initiative Liam Culhane
• CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systems, John Allen