Town hall meeting to be held on Winona County child care shortage

Adequate child care is an economic driver for rural communities across the nation. But many communities, including Winona County, face significant shortages.

The child care shortage in Winona County is now at 515 slots — an increase of 51 percent from the previous year. According to a 2018 survey, 33% of surveyed employees missed work due to a lack of child care. 

To address this challenge, a Core Team from Winona County has come together to investigate the need in the community. The team hopes to hear from community members as it works toward a child care system that is accessible, of high quality and profitable for the child care provider. 

A town hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 at the Tandeski Center, 1200 Storrs Pond Road, Winona. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

RSVP by calling Winona Area Public Schools at 507-494-0900 or online at this link.

Questions? Contact Ann Riebel at 507-494-0901. 

This event is sponsored by First Children’s Finance, the Winona Area Birth to Grade Three Committee and Winona Rural Child Care Innovation Program Team.