Osceola County Child Care Needs Presentation

The Osceola County child care steering committee will hold a public meeting at 6pm on Tuesday, August 31 to share insights into the recent strategic planning process and steps going forward.

Parents and anyone interested in learning more are welcome to attend the meeting, which will be held at 6pm on August 31 at the Sibley-Ocheyedan High School auditorium.  The primary intention of the meeting is to share a Child Care Market Analysis and the plans and goals identified to help address childcare shortages in Osceola County.

First Children’s Finance will present the study and strategic plan, and the child care steering committee and various resource partners will be in attendance.

One of the strategies is to ‘Inform employers and other community stakeholders about recent child care efforts, including the Child Care Market Analysis of Osceola County and this Strategic Plan for Child Care for Osceola County.’ Holding a public meeting is one step toward meeting that goal. Other strategic plan goals and strategies include:

  • Increase the supply of DHS regulated child care spaces in Osceola County by 140 spaces
  • Develop business and community supports for viable child care businesses.
  • Engaged employers and the community in child care partnerships
  • Provide a local connection to resources and supports for both existing and prospective child care providers.
  • Establish a county-wide child care initiative fund.
  • Provide resources and information about child care related benefits to local employers.

The child care steering committee includes: Ben Davis, CEO, and Craig Carstens, CFO, from the Osceola Regional Health Center; Jamie Craig, Superintendent from the Sibley-Ocheyedan School District; Stephanie Neppl, Executive Director of the Osceola County Economic Development Commission, Ashley Ackerman, Executive Director of the Sibley Chamber of Commerce and City of Sibley Staff; and Mitchell Ackerman, Sibley City Council.

All are welcome to attend the August 31 meeting, and no registration is necessary.