QUINCY (WGEM) – A new initiative is underway to address Adams County’s growing childcare shortage.

Eight organizations joined forces on Monday to launch Adams County CAREs. The acronym stands for “Childcare Advancement and Recruitment Effort,” which is exactly the goal of this new incentive program.

“We have a wonderful, dedicated, professional and caring childcare workforce already in Adams County,” said Catherine Meckes with one of CARE’s partner organizations, Community Foundation of West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. “But, the figures show we need more.”

Meckes said the latest report reveals 3,600 Adams County children under age 5 need care. Yet, licensed providers can only handle half of that demand.

“This childcare shortage has forced parents to maybe delay going back to work after the birth of the child,” said Marla Willard with West Central Child Care Connection. “It has kept some parents from entering the workforce altogether.”

CAREs comprise three incentives to attract more childcare providers. They include paid internships, scholarships and sign-on bonuses.

“It’s going to provide great care for the children,” said April Darringer, early childhood coordinator and assistant professor at JWCC. “It alleviates some of the stress that we have on our current childcare system and it’s going to provide parents the peace of mind they need.”

Darringer said they expect care to greatly reduce if not eliminate tuition expenses for early childhood education students.

“One of the issues we found was that we needed more teachers,” Darringer said.

Quincy Area Vocational and Technical Center students will have an opportunity to receive hands-on experience at Blessing’s Early Learning Center with free dual enrollment at John Wood Community College.

CAREs also plans to offer up to $3,000 sign-on bonuses for new Adams County childcare providers.

The program is a $250,000 investment by the Adams County Board with matching support from philanthropic and private partners.

Organizers involved in Adams County CAREs include:

• Great River Economic Development Foundation
• Blessing Health System
• JWCC
• West Central Child Care Connection
• Community Foundation
• Tracy Family Foundation
• Adams County Board
• Community Foundation of West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri

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