Just over a year ago, Grand County Commissioners approved a $100,000 grant to local nonprofit Moab Community Childcare (MCC). Grand County’s Economic Development Advisory Board had identified childcare as a priority: the board found that lack of childcare in Moab was causing parents to stay at home with their child(ren) instead of working a job.
Moab Community Childcare is both supporting existing local childcare providers and establishing new providers in Grand County in an effort to address this need so parents can enter the workforce knowing their children are safe, happy, and consistently cared for while they are working.
MCC supports all 10 childcare centers in Moab through its Helping Hands program and employs 17 caregivers and two part-time grant writers. Five staff members have degrees in Early Childcare Education or a related field and nearly all are mothers. Since starting work in July 2022, 50 new full-time childcare slots have been created, bringing the total in Moab to 175.
MCC operates the only infant-focused center in town, and through its Helping Hands program, provides staffing support (like substitutes) to most childcare providers in Moab. Providing substitutes helps keep providers from having to close when staff are sick or have doctor appointments. This coverage typically saves 15-25 families from missing work or scrambling for a babysitter, according to the impact report.
Rob Walker, MCC’s Board Chair who describes his role as a coach on the sidelines, spoke passionately about the work of Nikki Wilson, Director for the Center at the Lutheran Church who recently obtained her National Administrator’s Credential from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The Center at the Lutheran Church is infant-focused and currently has 19 children and three staff present at all times. They have recently expanded capacity so there are still a few open spots. Interested parents should contact Nikki directly at nikki@moabchildcare.org or call 435-355-0623.
Walker also highlighted Taylor Rutherford, Director of Outreach, and her work with Helping Hands where MCC employees go into other providers’ businesses (often their homes) and provide an extra pair of hands. The program works to ensure existing providers are supported and can expand capacity when possible: This support started at around 100 hours a month and has currently grown to over 400 hours a month.
Helping Hands impacts 110 children, representing two-thirds of full-time children enrolled in Moab. Helping Hands has also helped several providers expand their facilities, collectively resulting in 29 additional full-time childcare spots.
According to Walker, “Helping Hands focuses on attracting, training, and retaining the best childcare workers by offering them competitive wages (typically $22-24/hr), plus generous benefits such as paid time off, paid sick days, paid maternity leave, $2,500 a year towards professional development, and a 401(k). Childcare providers then contract with us for additional support when needed. They pay us a discounted rate (typically $15/hr); the balance is paid from grants (specifically the Rural County Grant Part A).”
“Helping Hands has been more impactful than we ever imagined,” Rutherford said. “It took a minute for people to adopt the idea, but once it was in motion it seemed we found a new avenue every week. I am so thankful for this tight-knit community and the power of networking to get us rolling. Building a team of trusted individuals that others welcome into their home and business is truly amazing!”
MCC partnered with The Synergy Company in May 2022 to convert an underutilized manufactured house on Resource Boulevard into a childcare facility to help serve both their employees’ children and the community. There are currently 14 children enrolled at the center. MCC typically provides 4 hours a day of staff support and has also helped the provider start an LLC, get set up as an employer with the State of Utah, and set up payroll software. This center is open to non-Synergy employees as well. The center currently has openings and those interested should contact Heather Brooks at 435-313-4387.
Although much progress has been made, there is still great need. MCC’s focus moving forward is to continue to build on the momentum of the first year; and, to continue operation in the community by expanding and diversifying its funding sources.
If you would like to help make high-quality childcare more widely available and affordable in Moab, volunteers are always needed and welcome. MCC is accepting applications for board members. Current members are Rob Walker, Audrey Graham, Tess Barger, Daniel McNeil, and Kate Niederehe. Contact Rob Walker, Board Chair at info@moabchildcare.org if you are interested in any of these opportunities.
