By Marji Hill, Contributing Writer
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Murphy – First United Methodist Church announces the launch of a two-pronged initiative to increase child-care options in Cherokee County, with the goal of helping advance the county’s early childhood system to better serve children and families.
One of the focus areas will be increasing the number of licensed family childcare homes in the county. Today, we have none, as the county is known as a “child-care desert,” a term used to describe locations where families seeking child care are unable to find it.
This topic was raised at a special inter-agency meeting in October, when day-care closures in western North Carolina were alarming. A takeaway was how urgently needed are more family child-care homes.
First United Methodist Church will host an exploratory information session to encourage local residents who may be interested in starting a new family child-care home at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Guest speakers include Alisa Stephens from Southwestern Child Care Commission, an expert in this type of child-care operation. Information to be shared includes how to register for pre-licensing workshops, along with the training, support and important resources available to child-care professionals.
Also attending will be Holly Bryant of Tri-County Community College’s Small Business Center. The Small Business Center offers free assistance to anyone starting a new business.
All who are interested in attending are encouraged to make a reservation by Monday. Light refreshments and child care will be provided. To reserve a spot or get additional information, call 828-837-2718.
Home-based child care provides critical infrastructure to the early childhood system and is integral to meeting the needs of families, especially at a time when families are struggling to find affordable child care and supply cannot keep up with demand.
Murphy First United Methodist Church’s work is being initially funded by a multi-year grant from the N.C. Rural Center.
“Affordable, reliable child care is essential for a local community to thrive and that’s true in Murphy like it is in a lot of places. The N.C. Rural Center appreciates the opportunity to partner with Murphy First United Methodist Church on this critical project,” said the Rev. Dr. Heather Kilbourne, director of faith in rural communities at the Rural Center. “They have extended their arms into the community.”
The church will be opening a Children’s Center to care for children part time and give them an opportunity to master the necessary skills for kindergarten success. A center-based environment encourages learning that is social, interactive and fun. The center will enable children to make advancements in problem-solving, implement language in learning and learn social skills.
“We believe a high-quality, affordable and equitable preschool program is a significant way for children and families to experience the abundant life Jesus talks about,” pastor Wil Posey said. “The vision, opportunity, and great staff all came together at the right time. We’re grateful for a partnership with the N.C. Rural Center that helps this dream come to life.”