Study eyes early childhood education opportunities
MICHIGAN
CITY, Ind. – A childcare facility feasibility study will explore early
childhood education opportunities and ways to provide parents with options for
their children.
The Economic
Development Corporation Michigan City is working with IFF Real Estate Solutions
and community leaders to grow or develop programs that will enhance the quality
of early childhood education programs in Michigan City and LaPorte County.
“There is a
strong link between childcare availability and entering or re-entering the
workforce for parents. As a community, we need to provide quality facilities
for moms and dads to entrust their little ones, so that they can feel secure in
their children’s futures before they enter the school system,” said EDCMC
Executive Director Clarence Hulse.
“IFF’s
lengthy experience in supporting early childhood education throughout the
Midwest, will be leveraged in Michigan City to walk alongside community leaders
and ECE providers to enhance early childhood access for families,” said
Amandula Anderson, Managing Director, Real Estate Solutions – Indiana, IFF.
“The goal of this work with the EDCMC is to strengthen childcare opportunities
for working families.”
The need for
early childhood education was uncovered by a Center of Workforce Innovations
study that revealed there are nearly 600 children and families who are
searching for childcare slots. The grant for the study was funded by the Health
Care Foundation of LaPorte County.
“With the
grant and match in place, we are now at the initial phase of addressing this
vital need in Michigan City and LaPorte County,” Hulse said. “Beyond working
with the team at IFF Real Estate Solutions, we also have assembled a group of
local community leaders on a committee to help offer insight and guidance on
the process, study and project moving forward.”
“We
understand how imperative quality childcare and early education are to a strong
workforce and the success of our region companies,” said Linda Simmons, EDCMC
Board chair. “We are thankful for the support from not only the Health Care
Foundation, but also our committee members who are helping us approach this
challenge from a new angle.”
The IFF team
will evaluate the current offerings for early childhood education and potential
opportunities by working with community stakeholders, putting together various
scenarios to cultivate new and existing facilities and programs as well as a
financial analysis for each of these proposals.
“Within the
scope of these scenarios, there may be current facilities or programs that can
be expanded to provide a higher level of education,” Hulse said. “We want to
assist programs in place to boost the learning aspect of their curriculum and
provide training to staff as needed to move the curriculum from just childcare
and basic daycare as we know it to early childhood education centers.
“The
feasibility study will provide us the path to pursue additional economic
development and growth of our workforce by offering these key quality of life
elements that our residents need to establish strong roots in our region.”
“Our hope is
to equip leaders and providers in Michigan City with the resources and tools to
help children and families thrive and improve the workforce opportunities for
all,” Anderson added.
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Economic Development Corporation
Michigan City, Indiana, is committed to growing and attracting new industry and
business to the community as well as strengthening existing business. EDCMC
concentrates on services, programs, partnerships and one-on-one assistance to
provide the optimum business environment for commerce and industry to prosper
and grow. As a private nonprofit, EDCMC merges the right mix of resources by
uniting key leaders in government, business, schools and the community. For
more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.
IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer
that helps communities thrive. At IFF, we believe that every person has
the right to a good education, fresh food, health care, and affordable housing,
and to grow up in a safe environment, regardless of income level. We are here
to provide nonprofits and community organizations with the tools and resources
to help their community thrive for years to come. For more information,
contact Amandula Anderson, Managing Director Real Estate Solutions Indiana,
317-378-0155 or aanderson@iff.org.
