MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. (KWCH) – Families in communities across the U.S. are feeling the impact of a growing child care shortage. With fewer facilities and longer wait lists, parents are scrambling for affordable and reliable care.
At Cradles to Crayons in Moundridge, demand is high with more than 80 families on the waitlist and a building that can no longer keep up.
“To have a high quality day care in Moundridge is really really special, especially for parents coming from Newton, McPherson area,” said Jill Rob, a parent at Cradles to Crayons.
Building challenges drive expansion plans
The daycare operates in a building constructed in 1915 that has housed different businesses over the years but now serves as the town’s child care facility, according to Cradles and Crayons Director Casie Wiens.
“It breaks my heart when we have all these moms and dads calling trying to get care and we’re like, ‘we’re on a waiting list’ and they’ll ask how long and I’ll be like ‘it’s probably over a year,’” Wiens said.
From lack of space to cracked floors and an uneven foundation, it has become harder for the facility to serve the community. The daycare is fundraising for a new building to address these issues.
Those wanting to help the facility can make direct donations through the McPherson County Community Foundation by clicking here: Cradle to Crayons Building Fund. Donations can also be dropped off at Cradle to Crayons: 311 E Thornton St, Moundridge, KS 67107.
If the fundraising campaign is successful, the new facility will be built on a lot next to Moundridge Elementary School and will have enough space for around 150 children.
Community support for expansion
“Having childcare in the industrial center (Moundridge between McPherson and Newton) is really important so that we can not only support our workers but also support current and potential residents,” said Betsy Davis of the McPherson County Community Foundation.
For parents like Rob, the daycare provides more than just child care services.
“I wanted to continue teaching and being able to have a daycare in town allows me to continue teaching — (it’s) just really really special,” she said.
Cradles to Crayons has raised around $1 million so far. Their goal is to reach $5 million before construction plans start.
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