By HOLLY GASKILL
The Wells County Commissioners have unanimously agreed to financially support the launch of an endeavor to support early learning opportunities.
Imagine Early, a new local organization, will receive $25,000 annually from the county in its first three years. The organization is being launched by the Adams-Wells Early Childhood Coalition, a group seeking to address childcare needs in Adams and Wells counties.
The coalition is comprised of professionals from either county. Chad Kline, Wells County Economic Development executive director, and Jessica Bricker, Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District communications specialist, spoke on behalf of the organization during the commissioners’ meeting Monday.
The group hopes to hire a full-time director for Imagine Early to lead its efforts in addressing local concerns regarding quality childcare access. Kline stated the partnership between Adams and Wells counties was natural, as both counties face similar challenges.
According to data provided by the coalition, 3,059 children need childcare in the counties, but only 1,277 childcare spots are currently available. There are 17 total licensed providers — six of which have been identified as high-quality programs.
Additionally, childcare in Wells County costs $126.57 weekly on average. Comparatively, childcare in Adams County costs $140.57 weekly.
“The ultimate goal for Imagine Early is not only to better prepare children for preschool and kindergarten but to alleviate strains on the workforce,” the group said in a press release Monday. “Feedback from local families and employers indicates it can be difficult to find quality and affordable childcare providers for young children, at times preventing employees from working.
Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance has recently agreed to serve as the fiscal sponsor for Imagine Early. Meanwhile, funds from Wells County will match funding received from other organizations. The group will ask for the same support from the Adams County Commissioners during their meeting on May 16.
Considering the county’s financial support, Commissioner Jeff Stringer asked that the group regularly report on their progress.
Other members from Wells County include BHMSD assistant superintendent Julie Meitzler Southern Wells Elementary School Principal Cari Whicker, and Cindy Burchell, children’s librarian for the Wells County Public Library. Pamela Beckford, previous director of the United Way of Wells County, also served on the coalition until her retirement.
Adams County members are Economic Development Director Colton Bickel, King’s Kingdom Director Erin Cress, Adams County Community Foundation Executive Director Coni Mayer, Adams Central Community Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karyn Tomkinson, and Terri Hoag of Purdue Univerisity-Fort Wayne.
holly@news-banner.com
