August 2022: A Local Perspective on the Childcare Crisis
Did you know that you can receive our newsletters straight to your inbox? Newsletters are released monthly.
Sign up here.
Taking a local look at the childcare crisis
300.
That’s the astonishing number of children on waitlists at just a handful of childcare centers in Muncie, Indiana. While there may very well be some duplication within that number (some families may put their children on multiple waitlists to better compete for an open spot), it’s a sobering indication of just how bad the national early education crisis is, even at just the local level.
And there are more incredible numbers contributing to the crisis:
92, the number of open early childhood teacher positions in Delaware County.
$18,000, the annual tuition for some infant spots in Delaware County—which greatly exceeds in-state tuition for Ball State University, Purdue University, and Indiana University.
100,000, the number of childcare workers that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates have not returned to work since the beginning of the pandemic.
Our latest Perspective Piece dives further into what this all means, plus ways we all can help.
Recent Grants Awarded by BBF for Childcare Centers:
BY5 Mini Grants:
While many local and state grant programs provide support to childcare providers at Levels 3 & 4 on the “Paths to QUALITY” rating scale, BBF has awarded special funding for the past two years for childcare programs at Levels 0-2.
These “mini-grants,” awarded via Muncie BY5, have helped childcare providers purchase critical supplies, make small improvements to their facilities, and temporarily address workforce shortages.
At the same time, this special funding has helped BY5 to better connect with Level 0-2 programs, develop new relationships with owners and center directors, and encourage them to “level up” on the Paths to QUALITY.
Capital Improvement Grants:
Tight budgets often make it difficult for childcare centers to make needed building updates. Facilities projects are crucial to ensuring childcare providers can meet licensure requirements and provide safe and cheerful places for kids to learn and grow.
Recently funded capital projects:
Huffer Child Care Center used BBF funding to reimagine the center’s front entrance, providing greater safety and security for children and staff.
United Day Care received a BBF grant to address exterior drainage/water issues and to install a new phone system.
Precious Hearts Child Development Center used BBF grants to renovate its kitchen (shown below), replace the center’s front doors, create an on-site laundry facility, and install a new playground structure.
Nature Education Support:
BBF has long been interested in the intersection between early education and outdoor learning. A Rapid Grant to the YMCA of Muncie is helping to support a special training program on August 20 for educators who are interested in incorporating nature play into their work with young children.
August is National Water Quality Month!
Ball Brothers Foundation has long supported water quality efforts. In fact, that's one of the driving principles behind our Project Blueways funding. Learn more about what we're doing to support water quality throughout East Central Indiana—not just in August, but all year long!
Thinking of applying for funding?
Our final round of General Grants has closed, but we are still accepting Rapid Grants (funding up to $5,000). Applicants are encouraged to reach out to a Ball Brothers Foundation staff member prior to submission.
Please reach out to Michelle Stephenson if you'd like to talk with a BBF staff member.