Rotary Hears Program about the Need for Child Care

Full coverage in the Henry News-Republican (November 2023).

Charlotte McWade, from “Birth to Five (years of age)” discussed the need for child care locally and state wide when she spoke to the Henry Rotary club Monday, November 27, at Grandma’s Bar and Grill.

Birth to Five exists in 39 regions in Illinois, and Marshall, Putnam, and LaSalle Counties comprise Region 35. Ms. McWade told the Rotarians that 88 percent of children ages birth to five years of age do not have access to (child care), early childhood education and care in these counties.

To clarify the situation she quoted a parent in LaSalle county, “We are a two-income household, working in education and it is still a struggle. There are not a lot options for child care centers and most home child care providers are filled.”

Ms. McWade identified needs of this region, region 35: 1) expanded day care center programs to include more locations, transportation options, and non-traditional work hours, 2) increase outreach/education for support services and child development, 3) support for staff retention, 4) support for families who are immigrants and refugees.

Ms. McWade is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 35 of “ Birth to Five” with offices in Ottawa. She can be reached at 309-603-1741.

Zoe Miller, a staff assistant to Ms. McWade, was also present.

Program chair was Samantha McAvoy. Samantha is also a member of the Region 35 Action Council.

Rotary President Ana Reese announced that Gina Schlosser was observing her 30th anniversary of Rotary membership. Dick Finfgeld, a leader in the Henry community, proposed Gina for membership.