News Summary
Spartanburg County has launched a new childcare initiative with $164,000 in funding aimed at increasing capacity by adding 107 new childcare slots. Five local providers will participate in the ‘Project 100: Quality Childcare for Spartanburg’s Growing Future.’ This program addresses the pressing childcare crisis, which has affected many working families, by improving existing facilities and ensuring quality standards through the Quality Counts program. The initiative reflects a collaborative investment to enhance access to quality childcare in the county.
Spartanburg County has taken a significant step toward addressing its childcare challenges with a new initiative receiving $164,000 in funding. Five local childcare providers will utilize these funds as part of the “Project 100: Quality Childcare for Spartanburg’s Growing Future,” which aims to increase childcare capacity across the county by adding 107 new childcare slots.
The initiative, launched in April 2023 by OneSpartanburg Inc., focuses on the expansion and improvement of existing childcare facilities. Each of the providers that received funding is already engaged with the Power Up Spartanburg program, which supports small and minority-owned businesses. In addition to the funding, these centers have committed to actively participate in Spartanburg’s Quality Counts program, ensuring a standard of professionalism and mentorship for childcare professionals in the county.
The announcement of this funding was made official during a presentation ceremony on July 1, 2023. This initiative follows a 2022 survey revealing that over 12% of young children had parents who changed jobs or quit due to childcare-related issues, highlighting the critical need for accessible and affordable childcare services in Spartanburg County. Moreover, many local facilities face long waitlists, making it increasingly challenging for families to find suitable options.
Ron Garner, Chief Talent Officer of OneSpartanburg, emphasized that the initiative directly addresses the childcare crisis, which poses a barrier to workforce participation. He noted that improving childcare availability is essential for parents wishing to reenter the workforce. Additionally, Eight more organizations are in the pipeline for Project 100, potentially increasing the county’s childcare options even further.
Currently, the pilot program will benefit from a collaborative investment of $200,000 from OneSpartanburg and the Mary Black Foundation, focusing on expanding children’s access to quality childcare. The expansions of the existing facilities are set to commence in the summer of 2023. Kesha Williams, owner of Little Me Child Care, stated that the funding will help accommodate more children and families, reflecting the pressing demand for quality childcare services.
This initiative aligns with the Mary Black Foundation’s commitment to supporting children during their formative years, recognizing that early childhood education plays a vital role in future development. Childcare facilities benefitting from the funding must agree to the Quality Counts program, which provides necessary professional development to enhance service standards.
Ultimately, successful execution of Project 100 could pave the way for similar initiatives in the future, solidifying the critical link between accessible childcare and the workforce. Allen Smith, the President, and CEO of OneSpartanburg, noted that the childcare crisis is not just a personal issue but a significant business concern, affecting overall workforce participation in the area. The initiative aims to provide peace of mind to parents, allowing them to work while assuring their children are in safe and educational environments.
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Spartanburg Project 100 Child Care Initiative
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- WSPA: Upstate Child Care Centers Receive $164k
- Google Search: Child Care Initiatives
- Post and Courier: OneSpartanburg Child Care Effort
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Care
- Fox Carolina: Church Daycare Employee Incident
- Google News: Spartanburg Child Care
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
