UCDD Seeking Additional State Funds To Continue Childcare Grant Program

UCDD wants the state to make a one million dollar childcare grant program into a reoccurring opportunity.

The state funding was used for nine projects that created some 300 additional childcare spots in the Upper Cumberland. Executive Director Mark Farley said the development district wants to get more operations licensed by state.

“We have a lot of small operations where someone is operating a small daycare in their own home and don’t have to go through the licensing process,” Farley said. “We have a lot of those across the region, but because they are unlicensed, families cannot get the subsidy they need to be able to afford it.”

Farley said the money would be used to bring operations up to a licensed level or build new facilities. Farley said one million dollars was not enough to answer the need of the region.

Farley said the development district has highly encouraged the state to consider the request. Farley said the program overall was a big success.