By Payton Tholstrup

The Concordia Education Fund recently received two grants from Child Care Aware of Kansas to better early childcare in Cloud County. Child Care Aware of Kansas works to connect parents, childcare providers, businesses, local and state leaders, and the community with ideas and plans to make needed changes for education in the community. The two grants they received focus on two different areas.

The first grant will go to Cloud County Kids Coalition. Cloud County Kids coalition works with businesses and leaders to define the needs of early childcare in Cloud County. They lead focus groups and will be conducting a survey about early childhood education in September, sending it to the community and employers. The coalition will help guide childcare providers and business leaders to work together to better early childcare support in Cloud. They will also be hosting an Early Childcare Appreciation Day this fall, which will include a free workshop that providers can attend to receive resources. The grant gave them $20,000 for the cost of fine and gross motor skills kits that will be given away at the workshop.

The second grant received will focus on providing funding for county-wide resources. These resources will include things such as preschool curriculum, education, and training for early childcare providers, and more. Funds will also go to USD 333’s Panther Cubs Daycare. The daycare, which was created in 2021 by USD 333, will use the grant funds to add a fenced in play area. It will also be used to maintain certification of the facility.