Childcare

Lack of childcare has been identified as a challenge for Sheridan County in terms of attracting and retaining employees. Parents cannot accept jobs if they have no place to leave their children while they are at work. Existing childcare facilities in Sheridan County are operating at capacity and have waiting lists. Many parents are on multiple waiting lists. Existing childcare facilities also do not operate outside a traditional 8-to-5 weekday time slot, are not open on weekends or holidays and do not accept infants.

Childcare Shortage Goal:

Provide a major childcare facility in the City of Sheridan that will accept children of all ages including infants and pre-schoolers and will operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Summer programs for elementary children will also be developed. Additionally, this facility will provide training in childcare and early childhood development as well as technical assistance to existing childhood development providers.

Childcare Initiative:

Identify grant sources and apply for infrastructure funds to build a facility in the City of Sheridan for a childcare center. Submit requests for funding to the Whitney Benefits, Inc. to institute childcare and early childhood curriculum programs at Sheridan College.

Collaborative Partners:

Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority Joint Powers Board, City of Sheridan, Sheridan College, Whitney Foundation, Child Development Center, Sheridan Early Childhood Association, the County's three school districts, YMCA, Project Youth, the Ministerial Association, childcare providers, and Forward Sheridan.

Start: October 2006

Complete: December 2010

Click here to view the entire Economic Development Strategic Plan for Sheridan County, Wyoming.