Supervisors hear from Early Childhood Iowa

?The biggest thing right now, is the lack of child care,? Tammy Wetjen-Kesterson of Early Childhood Iowa told the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors during a presentation Monday.

Wetjen-Kesterson said that ECI planned to partner with businesses and other local organizations, such as the Fairfield Economic Development Association to help increase service offerings in Jefferson County.

Josh Laraby, FEDA?s executive director agreed, and said the organization planned to collaborate with multiple organization including employers, and that it was also getting feedback from parents about their needs.

?FEDA is actively working toward a day care solution ? we realize that there is a need for additional child care,? Laraby said during an interview after the meeting.

Supervisor Becky Schmitz mentioned an informational session last January that FEDA assisted with in informing community members interested in starting at-home day cares of the necessary steps for the process.

Laraby said that FEDA would conduct a second session as soon as January.

?We plan to collaborate with Early Childhood Iowa, but the date for the session is not set yet,? he said.

Supervisor Dick Reed asked if those who wanted to ?baby-sit? in their homes had to go through any steps with the state.

Wetjen-Kesterson said those caring for six or less children in the home would not have to go through anything with the state.

Laraby asks those who are interested in providing day care, to contact him at 472-3436.

? By Nicole Hester-Williams, Ledger staff writer