Kansas City, Kansas, Community College plans to reopen its childcare center in time for the fall 2019 semester.
The college shut down the daycare two years ago, leaving a lot of parents wondering if they'd have to switch schools or drop out.
"The past two semesters, I was able to take five online classes, but I just feel like I kind of missed out on that learning experience by being in the classroom," KCKCC student Renny Rothove said.
Rothove is eager to take additional KCKCC classes in pursuit of a degree as she tries to become a substance-abuse counselor.
Childcare has been a major obstacle blocking her path. She has a 3-year-old son and another baby due this summer.
"It can be discouraging," Rothove said. "Childcare is very high, very expensive."
KCKCC decided to complete the transition quickly to help students like Rothove as soon as possible.
"We've recognized there is a growing need among students in higher education for daycare and childcare," KCKCC Chief Financial Officer Michael Beach said.
The school shut down its previous daycare in May 2017 after amassing a $1.8 million deficit amid dwindling enrollment.
"When you run a drop-in service model, you never know from one moment to the next or hour to hour how many kids you're going to have dropped in, so it makes it very difficult to adequately staff your facility," Beach said.
The school is now accepting bids from third-party providers to use a different model for the childcare center, which will be open to both students and the wider community. The children at this daycare will stay for the entire day rather than for just a couple hours.
Beach said KCKCC hopes the new program encourages more people to come back to school or start fresh, knowing childcare is covered. The school hasn't determined costs yet, but Beach said it will offer reduced rates to students.
"KCKCC does not want this conversation to be solely about cost," Beach said. "We have taken steps within the Request for Proposal to allow for an offset of market value rent in exchange for a reduction in monthly rates to qualifying students."
Childcare in Kansas often starts at $800 per month, which is too expensive for many parents who work and go to school.
"I would have less stress on me, for one, for having to find a sitter," Rothove said.
Interested childcare providers can contact Beach for the full Request for Proposal by calling 913-288-7645 or sending email to mbeach@kckcc.edu.
