Copper Country Great Start Collaborative Updates Houghton County on Progress with the Start Small Project

A lack of childcare options for families in communities can become multi-generational challenges. However, some solutions are coming to Houghton County after the county commission dedicated American Rescue plan funds in the past year. Last night Iola Brubaker and Abby Karlsson with the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative updated the commission as to the progress the group has made working with childcare professionals to gain licenses from the state.

“So currently we have five Google Classroom participants. Four of them are in Cree licensure, which means that they are very close to opening. By the end of the year, we should have 24 new childcare slots in home settings. That’s huge for us as we are getting calls daily from parents saying that they just can’t find childcare. What do they do? Where do they go for that?” – Abby Karlsson, Start Small Coordinator, Copper Country Great Start Collaborative

Karlsson says that while the CCGSC has made significant progress in a short time. There remains a lot of work to do. Childcare’s impact on communities can make it difficult for grandparents to enjoy retirement, for parents to find a sitter, and for children to prepare for future schooling. Solutions to the state’s challenge include future pre-kindergarten spaces with elementary schools and similar projects to the partnership between the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative and Houghton County. Those interested in learning more about the Start Small Build Your Childcare Project with CCGSC in Houghton County can find more details here.